Trump FBI fires back, Dan Bongino unleashes secret crime data to destroy New York Times ‘MAGA takeover’ claims

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino fired back Saturday(July 5) at a New York Times editorial that sharply criticized the bureau’s direction under President Donald Trump, calling it a "poorly thought-out hit piece" and defending the agency's focus on violent crime and illegal immigration.

The Times editorial, titled “Trump’s Politicized FBI Has Made Americans Less Safe,” accused Trump of turning the FBI into a political tool. It cited what it described as the hiring of loyalists, interference in politically sensitive investigations, and a shift away from national security threats.

“The playbook is plain to see,” the editorial board wrote. “He is turning [the FBI] into an enforcement agency for MAGA’s priorities.”


Bongino, who was appointed deputy director by Trump in February, pushed back in a detailed thread on X (formerly Twitter), citing FBI data he says shows the agency’s initiatives are achieving real results.

https://x.com/fbiddbongino/status/1941497994668396715?s=46

“Notice how The [New York] Times omitted these data points to tell you ‘a story,’ not the story,” Bongino wrote. “Even though it’s an opinion piece, they should at least attempt to insert reality into it.”

Key figures shared by Bongino:

• 14,000 violent criminals arrested, a 62 percent increase from last year.
  
• More than 800 violent child predators and 140 human traffickers were taken into custody.
  
• Three of the FBI’s Top Ten Most Wanted fugitives arrested; another reportedly close to capture.
  
• 97,000 lbs of cocaine, 7,000 lbs of meth, and 2,500 lbs of fentanyl seized, a 22 percent increase year-over-year.
  
• Over 18,000 undocumented immigrants with criminal records were arrested or deported.
  
• Zero illegal immigrants were released from the border in June.
  
• Nearly 800 individuals were arrested for interfering with law enforcement operations.
  

Bongino also said the FBI helped dismantle major gang networks, including the largest takedown of the TDA gang to date and apprehended more than 50 foreign intelligence operatives involved in espionage and smuggling.

“I’d like to talk more about some of the incredible work being done by our counter-terror teams, but the information… is classified,” he added.

Bongino, a former Secret Service agent and conservative commentator, was appointed alongside Trump’s pick for FBI Director, Kash Patel, a controversial figure known for his vocal defense of Trump and criticism of the intelligence community.

Their appointments marked a significant shift in leadership at the FBI. Several senior officials overseeing cybercrime, white-collar crime, and counterintelligence were reportedly reassigned or resigned earlier this year. Critics inside and outside the bureau have voiced concern that the agency’s traditional focus is being eroded.

In February, Bongino called his appointment “an honor,” promising to “restore integrity and accountability” to the FBI. But critics say the changes risk politicizing a federal law enforcement institution long expected to operate independently of presidential influence.

The FBI declined to comment on the Times editorial or Bongino’s response.

The New York Times has not issued a follow-up statement.