FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino criticized former director James Comey over a controversial “86 47” message shared on Instagram, calling attention to what he views as Comey’s failures in leadership at the bureau.
Bongino, a former Secret Service agent and current conservative talk radio host, expressed his disdain for Comey’s actions, which he thinks have brought embarrassment to the FBI.
In a post on X, he stated, “Former FBI Director James Comey has shamed FBI badges over the past week.”
Comey’s commentary, particularly as a critic of President Trump during his tenure from 2013 to 2017, reignited tensions after his Instagram post made waves.
Trump responded to Bongino’s remarks, emphasizing that Comey, as the FBI director, should have understood the implications of his words. During an interview, he emphasized the seriousness of the message, saying, “If you’re the FBI director and you don’t know what that means, it means ‘assassination,’ and it’s loud and clear.”
Comey later deleted the post and remarked, “It never happened to me, but I’m against all sorts of violence, so I defeated the post.”
Bongino, however, remained critical, reinforcing his commitment to addressing past mistakes within the FBI, stating, “I can’t openly post about everything the director and I’m doing to reform the company, but I guarantee you, they’re happening. Sadly, many of those agenda items are the result of former director Comey’s decision-making and leadership.”
FBI Director Kash Patel noted that the Bureau would assist the Secret Service with handling Comey’s statements. Patel also hinted at the forthcoming release of information related to the Capitol riots and previous FBI probes.
“They’re dismissed the FISA process and not only lied to the American people,” he claimed, pointing to a need for increased transparency moving forward.
Bongino defended their approach to reforming the FBI, arguing that thoroughness is essential. “You want to do this right or do it right away? Because you can’t have it both ways,” he stated.
