Dan Bongino Reveals: 'I Was Compensated for My Thoughts on Previous Pipe Bomb Conspiracy Theories'

WASHINGTON Dan Bongino, currently serving as the FBIs deputy director, acknowledged Thursday that his previous promotion of a Jan. 6 conspiracy theory was driven by compensation. In past years, Bongino frequently suggested on his podcast that the pipe bombs found near the Capitol on January 6, 2021which ultimately did not detonatewere orchestrated by an insider attempting to target President Donald Trump and his supporters.

Earlier this year, Bongino stated of the pipe bomb incident: This was an inside job. And it is the biggest scandal in FBI history.

During a Fox News interview, host Sean Hannity questioned Bongino about these claims, particularly in light of the FBI identifying a suspect: a 30-year-old man from Virginia with no apparent government ties. Bongino admitted, I was paid in the past for my opinions, thats clear, and one day, Ill be back in that space. But thats not what Im paid for now. Im paid to be your deputy director, and we base investigations on facts.

This revelation marked a striking moment from a figure known in right-wing media for presenting himself as someone revealing truths hidden by mainstream outlets, despite lacking factual support for prior statements.

Earlier this year, Bongino and other former MAGA supporters recanted previous claims after joining the federal administration. Notably, the Justice Department clarified that allegations of a government cover-up regarding Jeffrey Epsteins client list were false, despite Bongino and others previously asserting otherwise. Bongino, however, is the first to explicitly admit financial motivation for his claims.

Previously, Bongino argued that the pipe bomber aimed to disrupt Republican objections to the certification of Joe Bidens 2020 election victory in favor of Democrats, claiming the FBI had knowledge of the bombers identity but protected him. On his podcast, Bongino described the bomber as a Democrat insider or an anti-Trump extremist who sought to halt Republican objections by planting bombs near the Capitol.

The FBI now identifies the suspect as Brian J. Cole Jr., 30, who allegedly believed the 2020 election was stolen from Trump, aligning him with many Trump supporters who participated in the Capitol riot. Media outlets like The Blaze retracted earlier claims wrongly identifying a former Capitol Police officer as the bomber.

Some conspiracy theorists have reacted to the FBIs findings without conceding error. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) questioned why Cole remained at large for five years, suggesting possible hidden accomplices. Commentator Julie Kelly speculated the FBI delayed action because Cole is Black.

On Friday, Bongino posted a quote from Theodore Roosevelt highlighting action over criticism, emphasizing that even in failure, those who act boldly distinguish themselves from passive observers.

Author: Sophia Brooks