Podcast Summary: The Bongino Brief - Safety Concerns At The Trump Inauguration

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Dan Bongino Show
• Host/Author: Cumulus Podcast Network | Dan Bongino
• Episode: The Bongino Brief - Safety Concerns At The Trump Inauguration
• Release Date: January 18, 2025

Dan Bongino, a former Secret Service Agent and NYPD officer, delves into pressing security concerns surrounding the upcoming Trump inauguration in this episode of The Bongino Brief. The discussion critically examines the preparedness of security agencies, leadership efficacy, and emerging threats that could impact the safety of the event.

1. Introduction to Security Concerns

Dan Bongino opens the episode by expressing apprehension about the safety of President Trump's inauguration. He voices skepticism regarding the competence of the Secret Service and the FBI in handling the event's security.

Dan Bongino [02:15]: "After yesterday's briefing, my answer is probably not [safe]. It's one of those things I'm speculating. The inauguration, ladies and gentlemen, hasn't happened yet. I'm just afraid that the people in charge at the top of the Secret Service and certainly at the FBI, do not know what they're doing."

Bongino references his past experience overseeing security for President Obama's inauguration, highlighting the importance of effective planning and execution.

2. Critique of the FBI's Preparedness

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the FBI's assessment of threats to the inauguration. Bongino vehemently disagrees with the FBI's statement that no credible threats are being tracked.

FBI Representative [06:50]: "We are not currently tracking any specific or credible threats to the inaugural ceremony or to the Capitol complex."

Dan Bongino [07:05]: "Do you really believe that there are no threats to the inauguration? Are you insane? Whatever the FBI says these days, I tend to believe the opposite."

Bongino attributes his distrust to the FBI's historical stance on issues involving Donald Trump, suggesting a pattern of misinformation or incompetence.

3. Leadership Evaluation: Ron Roe vs. Matt McCool

Bongino critiques Ron Roe, the then-acting director of the Secret Service, questioning his qualifications based on past oversights and failures.

Dan Bongino [07:50]: "Ron screwed up bad. The acting director now. And he needs to go. It's not personal. Ron was very nice to me when I was on the detail. Ron is not qualified to be the Secret Service director."

In contrast, Bongino praises Matt McCool, the manager at the Washington Field Office, highlighting his competence and tactical expertise.

Dan Bongino [08:45]: "Matt is a very competent guy. Matt is a very smart guy. Matt knows protection. Matt very importantly knows tactical work as well."

McCool is acknowledged for his public briefing and the security measures he has implemented, which Bongino finds reassuring amidst his concerns.

4. Addressing Drone Threats

One of the most pressing concerns discussed is the potential threat posed by drones during the inauguration. Bongino emphasizes the difficulty in countering drone threats, given their accessibility and versatility.

Dan Bongino [10:15]: "Explaining the damage drones can do and why they are a critical threat is very easy. Human beings can't fly."

He critiques the current drone defense strategies, expressing doubt about their effectiveness.

Dan Bongino [11:00]: "If you see a drone overhead and there is not a vigorous plan to take it down, countermeasures, electronic interference... I can't say this enough. If you see a drone overhead and there is not a vigorous plan to take it down, countermeasures... I don't know what their plan is."

Matt McCool's statement on drone usage as part of the protective posture is also examined, with Bongino remaining cautiously hopeful.

FBI Representative [11:04]: "Secret Service is comprehensive security plan will continue to use drones as part of our protective posture. Do not be alarmed if you see these assets during the inauguration or in training in the days ahead."

Dan Bongino [11:16]: "I hope he's right and I hope they've got a good plan. ... It is the air picture that really scares the shit out of me."

5. Reformation Proposals for the Secret Service

Bongino outlines his vision for restructuring the Secret Service, advocating for a clear division of responsibilities to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Dan Bongino [09:30]: "In my reform proposals for the United States Secret Service... the Secret Service should no longer be in charge of NSSes. They shouldn't. They should be a part of it, but they should not be in charge."

He suggests that a task force model involving multiple federal entities could better handle national special security events (NSSEs), allowing the Secret Service to focus solely on presidential and vice-presidential protection.

6. Conclusion and Final Insights

Dan Bongino wraps up the episode by reiterating his concerns about the inauguration's security, particularly focusing on aerial threats and the overall competence of the managing agencies. He underscores the necessity for robust and adaptive security measures to ensure the safety of the event.

Dan Bongino [12:00]: "It's the only way to do it. Here's Matt McCool again addressing something that I am deeply concerned about. It is the air picture, folks."

Bongino's final remarks call for vigilance and continuous improvement in security protocols, highlighting the balance between maintaining robust defenses and fostering public confidence in the protective agencies.

Key Takeaways:

• Security Concerns: Bongino is apprehensive about the overall security preparedness for President Trump's inauguration, particularly criticizing the effectiveness of the Secret Service and the FBI.
• Leadership Issues: He strongly criticizes Ron Roe's leadership while commending Matt McCool's competence and tactical knowledge.
• Drone Threats: The potential misuse of drones poses a significant concern, with Bongino questioning the adequacy of current countermeasures.
• Reform Proposals: Bongino advocates for restructuring the Secret Service's responsibilities to enhance focus and efficiency in presidential protection.
• Trust in Agencies: A recurring theme is the lack of trust in federal agencies' ability to manage large-scale security events effectively, emphasizing the need for accountability and reform.

This episode serves as a critical examination of the security apparatus in place for high-profile political events, urging for transparency, competence, and strategic planning to safeguard national leaders and uphold public safety.