Bongino Reveals Planting Fake Info to ID FBI Leakers

Former FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino revealed on a podcast this week that he planted false information within the agency to identify colleagues suspected of leaking to the media.

Bongino shared the account during an appearance on the "Hang Out with Sean Hannity" podcast, released Tuesday. He described the FBI during his tenure as divided between dedicated agents handling critical cases and others he suspected of undermining leadership through leaks. "There were two FBIs trying to help you solve the A, B and C problems, and that's FBI one and FBI two," Bongino said. He praised agents in units such as Violent Crimes Against Children and violent crime fugitive task forces, stating he felt "honored to be in the room" with them.

Bongino served as deputy director from March 2025 to January 2026, a period of about 10 months alongside FBI Director Kash Patel. The two leaders faced challenges determining which personnel could be trusted, according to Bongino. He noted that even external advisers occasionally misjudged loyalties, with leaks appearing in media reports shortly after certain individuals were vouched for.

To address the issue, Bongino employed a counterintelligence technique...