The Dan Bongino Show: "What Did Zelensky Know? When Did He Know It?" (Ep. 2426) Summary

Release Date: February 19, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 2426 of The Dan Bongino Show, Dan Bongino delves into the intricate and contentious dynamics surrounding Ukraine's leadership, particularly focusing on President Volodymyr Zelensky's awareness of alleged corruption involving former President Joe Biden. Bongino critiques the media's portrayal of these issues and underscores the necessity for conservative voices to effectively counter liberal narratives.

1. Ukraine Negotiations and Zelensky's Knowledge

Bongino opens the episode by addressing the escalating tensions in Ukraine negotiations and the future geopolitical landscape involving Russia and the European Union. He references his book, Follow the Money, highlighting the chapter titled "How Ukraine Has Been Treated Like a Piggy Bank." Bongino asserts that Ukraine has been exploited for financial gains by various entities, a situation he believes led to Donald Trump's impeachment.

• Notable Quote:
  • "Zelensky knows about it. Why hasn't he come clean on that?" [00:02]

He posits that Zelensky's inaction in exposing these corrupt practices raises significant questions about his role and knowledge of Ukraine’s dealings with the Biden administration.

2. Media Mischaracterization and Conservative Media Strategy

Bongino criticizes mainstream media outlets for their skewed representation of the Ukraine situation, suggesting that both liberal and Republican establishment narratives are misleading. He emphasizes the importance of conservatives engaging with these media platforms to present factual information.

• Notable Quote:
  • "The media, of course, is mischaracterizing the whole thing..." [00:02]

He plays clips featuring Stephen Miller from CNN, illustrating what he perceives as the media's inability to engage in rational discourse, especially when challenging conservative perspectives.

3. Debunking Liberal Narratives: DOGE and IRS Cases

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to dismantling liberal narratives surrounding the U.S. Digital Service (DOGE) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

• DOGE Critique: Bongino argues that DOGE employees are perceived as overreaching in accessing taxpayer data, drawing parallels to previous IRS scandals. He accuses liberal media of ignoring established corruption within federal agencies while targeting conservative entities.

  • Notable Quote:
    • "The DOGE is somehow sneaking around your tax returns..." [46:20]

• IRS Scandal: He revisits the Lois Lerner case, where IRS actions targeting the Tea Party were scrutinized. Bongino highlights inconsistencies in media reporting, pointing out that despite clear evidence of IRS misconduct, liberal outlets failed to hold the agency accountable.

  • Notable Quote:
    • "When there was a massive scandal not that long ago where the Obama IRS was targeting the Tea Party, they don't see it anywhere." [44:24]

4. American Federal Agencies' Mismanagement

Bongino shifts focus to the broader mismanagement of U.S. federal agencies, citing the Eric Adams case in New York. He argues that the Justice Department often handles such cases with political motivations, undermining public trust.

• Notable Quote:
  • "These are good, decent people who busted their ass, put their lives on the line enforcing the law." [28:08]

He contrasts this with Obama-era banking settlements, suggesting a double standard in how different administrations handle corruption and accountability.

5. The Conservative Information Ecosystem vs. the Liberal Media

Bongino extols the efficiency and solidarity within the conservative media ecosystem, emphasizing its ability to cross-promote and support each other effectively. He contrasts this with the liberal media's perceived fragmentation and lack of cohesion.

• Notable Quote:
  • "The conservative ecosystem is all about helping each other out. The liberals aren't they." [23:54]

He cites Jen Psaki’s acknowledgment of the conservative media's structured support as a testament to its strength.

6. Support and Promotion of Conservative Media Figures

Highlighting the importance of mutual support, Bongino encourages listeners to engage with and promote fellow conservative media personalities. He believes this collective effort strengthens the overall movement and counters liberal narratives more effectively.

• Notable Quote:
  • "It's why we make such a big deal out of hat tipping people." [34:28]

7. Conclusion and Call to Action

In his closing remarks, Bongino urges listeners to actively support conservative media platforms like Rumble.com, emphasizing their role in advocating for truth and accountability. He underscores the critical nature of the current political climate, suggesting that the next two years are pivotal for enacting meaningful change.

• Notable Quote:
  • "We are the golden age. We have about two years to really fix this government before the Democrats get over the emotions." [38:01]

He reiterates the importance of debunking leftist misinformation and maintaining solidarity within the conservative movement to counteract perceived liberal dominance in media and politics.

Final Insights

Throughout the episode, Dan Bongino maintains a critical stance towards both the Biden administration and mainstream media, positioning himself as a defender of conservative values and factual integrity. By dissecting specific cases and promoting a unified conservative media front, Bongino aims to empower his listeners to question prevailing narratives and advocate for governmental accountability.

Notable Clips and Interactions

• Stephen Miller on CNN: Illustrates the media's confrontation with conservative viewpoints and Bongino's frustration with perceived illogical arguments from liberal commentators.

  • "This is Brianna Keilar, obviously not very bright..." [05:13]

• Jen Psaki Interview: Highlights the contrast between conservative and liberal media ecosystems, with Psaki acknowledging the structured support within the right.

  • "There is not a left ecosystem that matches the right ecosystem." [23:54]

• Brian Tyler Cohen's Critique: A conservative commentator blames Trump's nominations for federal mishandling, serving as an example of leftist hyperbole according to Bongino.

  • "These people are such fucking cowards that they felt it was more important to kowtow to daddy Trump..." [54:20]

Conclusion

Episode 2426 of The Dan Bongino Show offers a rigorous critique of Ukraine's political landscape, media portrayals, and federal agency management from a conservative perspective. By highlighting alleged inconsistencies and advocating for a robust conservative media strategy, Bongino seeks to inform and mobilize his audience against what he perceives as liberal overreach and corruption.