How Dan Bongino built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Dan Bongino is a conservative political commentator, radio host, and author, known for his strong opinions and support of conservative viewpoints. A former law enforcement officer, he gained prominence as a political figure through his media appearances and online presence. He hosted "Unfiltered with Dan Bongino" on Fox News and currently hosts "The Dan Bongino Show" on Rumble. Bongino's commentary often focuses on political issues, current events, and conservative ideology, establishing him as a prominent voice in the conservative media landscape.
1995: Joined NYPD
In 1995, Dan Bongino began his career as a police officer for the New York City Police Department.
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1995: Joined NYPD
In 1995, Dan Bongino started his career as a New York City Police Department (NYPD) officer.
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1999: Joined United States Secret Service
In 1999, Dan Bongino became a special agent with the United States Secret Service.
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1999: End of NYPD Career
In 1999, Dan Bongino concluded his service as a police officer for the New York City Police Department.
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1999: Joined Secret Service
In 1999, Dan Bongino transitioned from the NYPD to become a U.S. Secret Service agent.
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2002: Instructor at Secret Service Training Academy
In 2002, Dan Bongino left the New York Field Office to become an instructor at the Secret Service Training Academy in Beltsville, Maryland.
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2006: Assigned to Presidential Protection Division
In 2006, Dan Bongino was assigned to the Presidential Protection Division during George W. Bush's second term.
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May 2011: Left Secret Service to Run for U.S. Senate
In May 2011, Dan Bongino departed from the Secret Service to pursue a campaign for the U.S. Senate.
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2011: Left Secret Service
In 2011, Dan Bongino ended his service as a U.S. Secret Service agent.
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2011: Lead Investigator of Car Rental Fraud Scheme
In 2011, Dan Bongino was the lead investigator of a car rental fraud scheme, as reported by The Baltimore Sun. His work led to federal wire fraud charges against two people.
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April 3, 2012: Won Republican Primary for U.S. Senate
On April 3, 2012, Dan Bongino won the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate seat in Maryland with 33.8 percent of the vote.
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2012: Operated Home-Based Businesses
In 2012, Dan Bongino and his wife operated three home-based businesses, selling martial arts apparel, designing websites, and consulting on security and risk management.
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2012: Ran for U.S. Senate Seat
In 2012, Dan Bongino campaigned for a U.S. Senate seat for Maryland.
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2014: Ran for U.S. House of Representatives
In 2014, Dan Bongino ran for the U.S. House of Representatives seat from Maryland's 6th Congressional District but narrowly lost to incumbent John Delaney.
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June 2016: Sought Nomination for Florida's 19th Congressional District
In June 2016, Dan Bongino declared that he would seek the Republican nomination for Florida's 19th congressional district.
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2016: Resisted Talking About Business Interests
While running for office in 2016, Dan Bongino resisted talking about his business interests and said he and his wife had shut them down.
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December 2018: End of NRATV Contribution
In December 2018, Dan Bongino's tenure as a paid contributor to NRATV came to an end.
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December 2019: Launched Bongino Report
In December 2019, Dan Bongino launched the website Bongino Report as an alternative to the Drudge Report.
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June 2020: Purchased Stake in Parler
In June 2020, Dan Bongino purchased an "ownership stake" of unspecified value in Parler, an alternative social media platform.
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March 2021: Replaced Rush Limbaugh on Cumulus Media
In March 2021, Dan Bongino was signed by Cumulus Media to replace The Rush Limbaugh Show on its talk radio stations.
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August 2021: Hosted 'Canceled in the USA' on Fox Nation
In August 2021, Dan Bongino hosted "Canceled in the USA", a five-part series on cancel culture for Fox Nation.
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October 2021: Show Ranked Second After Limbaugh's Successor
According to October 2021 estimates, Dan Bongino's show ranked second among shows competing to succeed Rush Limbaugh, drawing approximately 8.5 million listeners.
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December 11, 2022: Announced Plan to End Cumulus Radio Show
On December 11, 2022, Dan Bongino declared his intention to terminate his Cumulus radio show upon the expiration of his contract, which was 18 months away.
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April 2023: End of Unfiltered with Dan Bongino on Fox News
In April 2023, Dan Bongino's show, Unfiltered with Dan Bongino, ended its run on Fox News.
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April 20, 2023: Parted Ways with Fox News
On April 20, 2023, Dan Bongino announced that he had parted ways with Fox News, citing failed contract negotiations.
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June 2023: Cumulus Began Phasing Out Show
In June 2023, Cumulus Media initiated the process of phasing out Dan Bongino's show from its stations' lineups.
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December 2023: Secured Multi-Year Contract Extension with Westwood One
In December 2023, Dan Bongino reversed his decision and secured a multi-year contract extension with Westwood One.
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February 23, 2025: Nominated as Deputy Director of the FBI
On February 23, 2025, President Donald Trump announced that Dan Bongino had been nominated as the next deputy director of the FBI.
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