The Dan Bongino Show: The Tragic Consequences Of DEI (Ep. 2413) – Detailed Summary

Introduction

In Episode 2413 of The Dan Bongino Show, aired on January 31, 2025, host Dan Bongino delves deep into the detrimental effects of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives across various sectors in the United States. Leveraging his background as a former Secret Service Agent and NYPD officer, Bongino critiques DEI policies, arguing they undermine meritocracy and pose significant risks to national safety and institutional integrity.

I. The Bongino Rule

Time Stamp: 00:02

Bongino kicks off the episode by introducing what he terms the "Bongino Rule," emphasizing the importance of withholding judgment until all pertinent facts are available. He stresses the necessity of patience and thorough investigation before drawing conclusions, referencing the recent plane crash as a case study where premature assumptions led to misinformation.

“The Bongino Rule is not 'don't talk about a story.' It's just don't draw any conclusions for about 24 to 72 hours until you have the entire spreadsheet of facts or a good amount of them to do that.” (00:02)

II. DEI as Racist and Its Implications

Time Stamp: 12:15

Bongino unequivocally labels DEI as racist, arguing that policies favoring individuals based on race, gender, or sexual orientation rather than merit are fundamentally discriminatory. He contends that DEI fosters resentment and undermines the principle of earning positions through capability and hard work.

“DEI is racist. DEI is a cancer. Prove me wrong.” (12:15)

III. Impact of DEI on the FAA and Aviation Safety

Time Stamp: 30:45

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to criticizing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its DEI-driven hiring practices. Bongino highlights a tragic plane crash, implicating DEI policies in undermining the FAA's operational effectiveness. He scrutinizes FAA officials' lack of aviation expertise, suggesting that diversity priorities have compromised safety standards.

“You do not have to be first, but you do have to be right. Your credibility will only be built up over time.” (30:45)

Bongino plays a clip featuring Brad Mims, the deputy administrator at the FAA, which he uses to illustrate his point about discriminatory hiring practices. He questions the competence of FAA leadership, pointing out critical gaps in their knowledge and decision-making capabilities.

IV. Media and Political Figures' Role in Perpetuating DEI

Time Stamp: 45:10

Bongino discusses comments made by Fox News host Greg Gutfeld, who links DEI to identity politics. He applauds Gutfeld’s analysis, asserting that DEI has become a tool for political agendas rather than genuine inclusivity efforts.

“Greg was brilliant. You know what he said? He said, you know, it's funny how DEI has become the exact opposite. It's like a mirror for them.” (45:10)

Further criticizing Democratic figures like Adam Schiff, Bongino accuses them of weaponizing DEI policies to manipulate public opinion and suppress merit-based advancement.

V. Cash Patel and Government Overreach

Time Stamp: 1:15:30

The episode shifts focus to Congressman Cash Patel, whom Bongino praises as a staunch opponent of DEI and governmental overreach. Bongino recounts Patel's recent hearings, where he faced intense scrutiny and attacks from Democrats for his stance against DEI policies.

“He is responding up on the Hill to these absolute BS Democrat attacks on this man's character. Cash is a good and decent guy.” (1:15:30)

Bongino underscores Patel's role in exposing alleged corruption and overreach within the Department of Defense and FBI, positioning him as a key figure in combating the negative impacts of DEI.

VI. Economic Policy Proposals

Time Stamp: 1:00:00

In an economic segment, Bongino explores former President Donald Trump’s proposal to abolish the income tax, replacing it with tariffs on imports. He argues that this shift could dramatically boost the American economy by increasing disposable income and fostering investment, leading to unprecedented economic growth.

“If Donald Trump can convince the Republican Congress to get rid of the income tax for a system of tariffs instead, ladies and gentlemen, the economy will absolutely explode like you have not seen since the Reagan years.” (1:00:00)

Bongino explains the potential benefits, including the elimination of the IRS and significant tax savings for households, positioning this as a transformative economic strategy.

VII. Criticism of Liberal Mayors and City Governance

Time Stamp: 1:30:20

Bongino critiques liberal leadership in major cities, specifically targeting Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. He argues that liberal mayors are ineffective in handling crime and governance, attributing rising violence and administrative failures to progressive policies.

“Yelling outlets reflecting your progressive mayors' inability to manage cities effectively. Chicago’s Brandon Johnson is probably the second or third worst mayor in America.” (1:30:20)

He contrasts this with the economic and safety improvements he attributes to conservative governance, advocating for a nationwide shift away from liberal city management.

VIII. COVID-19 Snitch Lines and Liberal Policies

Time Stamp: 2:00:15

Addressing the societal impacts of COVID-19 policies, Bongino discusses the implementation of snitch lines by progressive leaders like Jesse Waters. He criticizes these measures as invasive and a breach of personal freedoms, highlighting incidents where individuals were reported for not adhering to mask mandates.

“Listen to this segment on Jesse Waters show...jesus Christ that I am not dumb enough to be a liberal.” (2:00:15)

Bongino uses these examples to argue that liberal policies foster a culture of mistrust and government overreach, infringing on personal liberties and societal cohesion.

IX. Conclusion and Calls to Action

Time Stamp: 2:30:45

In his concluding remarks, Bongino urges listeners to support Cash Patel and participate actively in political processes to combat the pervasive influence of DEI. He emphasizes the importance of voter engagement and legislative advocacy to promote merit-based policies and safeguard national integrity.

“Please send that email. This is politics is a participation sport, not a spectator sport. I need you to do it, please.” (2:30:45)

Bongino also encourages his audience to download the Rumble app and subscribe to the podcast on various platforms to stay informed and support his mission to expose and dismantle harmful DEI policies.

Notable Quotes

• “DEI is racist. DEI is a cancer. Prove me wrong.” (12:15)

• “You do not have to be first, but you do have to be right. Your credibility will only be built up over time.” (30:45)

• “Greg was brilliant. You know what he said? He said, you know, it's funny how DEI has become the exact opposite. It's like a mirror for them.” (45:10)

• “If Donald Trump can convince the Republican Congress to get rid of the income tax for a system of tariffs instead, ladies and gentlemen, the economy will absolutely explode like you have not seen since the Reagan years.” (1:00:00)

• “Please send that email. This is politics is a participation sport, not a spectator sport. I need you to do it, please.” (2:30:45)

Final Thoughts

In this episode, Dan Bongino presents a comprehensive critique of DEI initiatives, arguing that they are inherently racist and detrimental to various facets of American society, including national safety and economic stability. By coupling personal anecdotes, policy analysis, and targeted criticisms of political figures, Bongino advocates for a return to merit-based systems and increased political participation to counteract the perceived negative impacts of DEI.