Podcast Summary: The Dan Bongino Show – "The FBI Warns Of A Grave Threat, But Will Anyone Believe Them?" (Ep. 2399)
Release Date: January 13, 2025
Host: Dan Bongino | Cumulus Podcast Network

Introduction and Opening Remarks

Time Stamp: [00:03]

Dan Bongino opens the episode with his characteristic blend of humor and assertiveness, addressing his audience with energy and setting the tone for a no-nonsense discussion. He briefly mentions previous segments and underscores the importance of being prepared for emergencies, emphasizing personal responsibility over governmental aid.

Segment 1: Media Criticism and National Review's Alleged Defamation

Time Stamp: [05:00] – [15:25]

Bongino delves into his frustration with media outlets, specifically targeting National Review and journalist John Fund for what he perceives as defamatory claims regarding his involvement in political appointments during the Trump administration.

• Dan Bongino ([10:15]): "National Review is lying to you. They published this. John Fund is lying to you."

He accuses Fund of fabricating stories about his influence in the selection of key Trump administration figures like Pete Hegseth and Matt Gaetz. Bongino offers $100,000 to Fund for any evidence proving his alleged involvement, highlighting his confidence in the accuracy of his claims.

• Dan Bongino ([14:50]): "I will give you $100,000 in cash if you can prove to me or anyone else... that I was involved."

This segment underscores Bongino's distrust of mainstream media and his willingness to challenge perceived injustices against him.

Segment 2: FBI Director Chris Wray on Chinese Cyber Threats

Time Stamp: [15:25] – [16:20]

Bongino shifts focus to national security, highlighting comments from FBI Director Chris Wray about the significant threat posed by Chinese cyber activities.

• Chris Wray ([15:25]): "China's cyber program is by far and away the world's largest... They've stolen more of Americans' personal and corporate data than that of every nation combined."

Wray emphasizes the infiltration of critical American infrastructure by Chinese entities, including water treatment plants, transportation systems, and the energy sector. Bongino reiterates the seriousness of these threats, linking them to broader concerns about institutional credibility.

Segment 3: Institutional Credibility and Media Trust Issues

Time Stamp: [16:38] – [24:34]

Bongino critiques the declining trust in American institutions such as the FBI, media, and Pentagon. He references past controversies, including the January 6th investigation and various media cover-ups, arguing that these issues erode public confidence.

• Dan Bongino ([18:45]): "When the credibility of institutions like the media, the Pentagon, the FBI collapses... nothing's going to believe it."

He discusses the implications of institutional failures, suggesting that in the event of a real threat, a significant portion of the population might dismiss official warnings due to existing distrust.

Segment 4: Facebook and Media Censorship

Time Stamp: [24:34] – [28:33]

The conversation shifts to social media censorship, particularly targeting Facebook and its CEO, Mark Zuckerberg. Bongino criticizes the platform's handling of vaccine-related content, accusing it of suppressing dissenting opinions under pressure from the Biden administration.

• Dan Bongino ([27:44]): "They basically pushed us and said... anything that says that vaccines might have side effects you basically need to take down."

He emphasizes the broader theme of censorship, arguing that it serves the Democratic Party's agenda by gaslighting and isolating truth from the public.

Segment 5: Biden Administration's Policies and Wildfires in California

Time Stamp: [28:33] – [35:27]

Bongino criticizes President Biden's handling of various issues, including immigration and environmental disasters. He highlights the wildfires in California, criticizing state lawmakers for prioritizing political agendas over emergency response.

• Dan Bongino ([33:39]): "The economic engine of its state burns down and people lose everything... $25 million going for suing Donald Trump."

He features clips from California lawmakers, portraying them as neglectful and more focused on anti-Trump activities than addressing the immediate crises caused by wildfires.

Segment 6: January 6th Investigation and Pardons

Time Stamp: [35:27] – [46:34]

Bongino returns to discussing the January 6th events, expressing skepticism about federal involvement and criticizing ongoing investigations. He cites Congressman Barry Loudermilk's remarks on expanding subpoena powers to uncover the truth behind the pipe bomber case, suggesting it points to an insider job.

• Barry Loudermilk ([46:04]): "We will have full subpoena authority... to get more information."

Bongino emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability, asserting that current investigations lack the necessary authority to uncover the full extent of the actions taken during and after January 6th.

Segment 7: Foreign Policy Concerns – Greenland and Venezuela

Time Stamp: [46:34] – [54:28]

Addressing foreign policy, Bongino discusses strategic interests in regions like Greenland and Venezuela. He mentions J.D. Vance's comments on the importance of Greenland for national security and criticizes the Venezuelan government's actions as indicative of potential future threats.

• J.D. Vance ([53:42]): "Greenland is really important for America strategically... there's a real opportunity here for us to take leadership."

Bongino aligns with Vance's perspective, advocating for proactive measures to secure American interests abroad and prevent the rise of tyrannical regimes.

Segment 8: Personal Anecdotes and Closing Remarks

Time Stamp: [54:28] – [56:51]

In a lighter vein, Bongino shares personal experiences related to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, drawing parallels between the discipline of the martial art and conservative values. He underscores the importance of self-defense and personal responsibility.

• Theo Von ([56:04]): "Nothing turns you into a libertarian like Jiu Jitsu."

Bongino concludes the episode by promoting the Rumble platform, encouraging listeners to support free speech alternatives to mainstream media.

Key Takeaways

1. Media Distrust: Bongino consistently expresses skepticism towards mainstream media, accusing them of bias and misinformation, particularly against conservative figures.

2. National Security Concerns: Emphasis on the threat posed by Chinese cyber activities infiltrating American infrastructure, coupled with criticism of federal institutions' handling of security matters.

3. Political Criticism: Strong condemnation of the Biden administration's policies, especially regarding immigration, environmental disasters, and perceived mismanagement of crises.

4. Censorship Issues: Highlighting the role of social media platforms like Facebook in suppressing dissenting voices, which Bongino argues serves the Democratic Party's interests.

5. January 6th Investigations: Calls for more robust investigative powers to uncover the truth behind events related to January 6th, suggesting current efforts are insufficient.

6. Foreign Policy Advocacy: Support for strategic expansions and securing American interests abroad to prevent the rise of authoritarian regimes.

7. Promotion of Personal Responsibility: Encouragement of self-defense training and personal preparedness as alternatives to reliance on governmental solutions.

Notable Quotes

• Dan Bongino ([10:15]): "National Review is lying to you. They published this. John Fund is lying to you."

• Chris Wray ([15:25]): "China's cyber program is by far and away the world's largest... They've stolen more of Americans' personal and corporate data than that of every nation combined."

• Dan Bongino ([27:44]): "They basically pushed us and said... anything that says that vaccines might have side effects you basically need to take down."

• J.D. Vance ([53:42]): "Greenland is really important for America strategically... there's a real opportunity here for us to take leadership."

• Theo Von ([56:04]): "Nothing turns you into a libertarian like Jiu Jitsu."

Conclusion

In this episode, Dan Bongino addresses a range of topics centered around distrust in media and institutions, national security threats, political criticism of the Biden administration, and the importance of personal responsibility and preparedness. Through a blend of direct commentary, featured clips, and promotional segments, Bongino reinforces his conservative viewpoints while urging listeners to question mainstream narratives and take proactive steps in safeguarding their interests and freedoms.