Dan Bongino Slams James Comey, Promises Ongoing FBI Reforms in Strong New Statement

Photo credit: Gage Skidmore/CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr

Dan Bongino Slams James Comey, Promises Ongoing FBI Reforms in Strong New Statement

Washington, D.C. – In a bold and candid update, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino sharply criticized former FBI Director James Comey, blaming him for long-standing internal failures and vowing continued reform within the agency.

“Former FBI Director James Comey brought shame to the FBI badge, yet again, this past week,” Bongino stated. “The Director and I spend an inordinate amount of time cleaning up messes left behind by former Director Comey.”

The statement comes just ahead of Bongino’s appearance with Maria Bartiromo, in which he clarified that the explosive remarks were being made separately due to the interview being recorded before Comey’s latest controversy.

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🔎 Bongino and Patel Committed to Reforming the FBI

Standing beside FBI Director Patel, Bongino reaffirmed his mission to transform what he called “the most powerful law enforcement agency in the world.” While acknowledging the FBI’s limitations in investigating direct threats to the President or prosecuting individuals, he emphasized their authority to support other agencies and comment on internal misconduct, especially involving past leadership.

“We have the ability and authority to support other federal agencies for violations of federal law,” he said. “And we certainly have a responsibility to comment on matters involving former FBI officials.”

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🧹 Cleaning Up After Comey’s Leadership

Bongino did not hold back in describing the depth of the issues left behind under Comey’s tenure.

“Many of the reforms we’re implementing now are the result of Comey’s poor decision making and atrocious leadership,” he noted. “When you see what the Director and I see from the inside, it’s even worse.”

Though Bongino didn’t name specific reforms, he assured the public that major internal changes are underway—many of them kept confidential for operational integrity.

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🇺🇸 Message of Accountability and Patriotism

Bongino concluded his message with a familiar patriotic tone, thanking law enforcement personnel and the American public:

“God bless America, and all those who defend Her.”

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Key Takeaways:

• Dan Bongino criticizes former FBI Director James Comey for repeated damage to the Bureau’s credibility.

• Bongino and Director Patel are actively implementing reforms within the FBI.

• The FBI continues to support other federal agencies in law enforcement operations and federal violations.

• The Deputy Director pledged transparency and accountability as part of restoring trust in the agency.

FAQs: Dan Bongino’s Statement on Former FBI Director James Comey and FBI Reforms

1. What did Dan Bongino say about James Comey?
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino strongly criticized former FBI Director James Comey, saying he brought “shame to the FBI badge” and left behind serious internal issues that current leadership is still working to resolve.

2. Why is Bongino addressing Comey’s actions now?
Bongino clarified that his statement was made separately from his scheduled appearance with Maria Bartiromo because their interview was recorded before Comey’s latest controversial actions.

3. What authority does the FBI have in cases involving the President?
While the FBI does not lead investigations into direct threats against the President or make prosecutorial decisions, it supports other federal agencies and can speak on internal misconduct related to former officials.

4. What reforms are being made under Bongino and Director Patel?
Although specific reform measures weren’t detailed, Bongino confirmed that extensive internal changes are underway to restore accountability and integrity within the FBI—many prompted by issues inherited from Comey’s leadership.

5. Who is FBI Director Patel?
Director Patel is the current head of the FBI, working alongside Bongino to implement widespread reforms. Both leaders have emphasized transparency, accountability, and rebuilding public trust in federal law enforcement.

6. Will Bongino discuss Comey further in media appearances?
No. Bongino stated that his remarks on Comey were issued now because his upcoming interview with Maria Bartiromo was recorded before Comey's recent actions.

7. What is Bongino’s message to the public?
Bongino ended his message with a note of gratitude and patriotism, saying: “God bless America, and all those who defend Her.”

As the Deputy Director of the FBI, I am charged, standing with Director Patel, with managing the most powerful law enforcement agency in the world. The Director and I are also responsible for looking at grave mistakes made by people within the FBI in the past, and ensuring they…

— Dan Bongino (@FBIDDBongino) May 17, 2025