Bongino just left the FBI. And he isn’t wasting any time.
And now Dan Bongino traded punches with a high profile Republican politician.
Bongino Fires Back in Heated Online Clash
Conservative commentator Dan Bongino didn’t hold back in a fiery exchange on X with former Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz, showcasing Bongino’s no-nonsense style after Gaetz mocked his past electoral setbacks.
Fresh off his departure from the FBI in December 2025, Bongino had been calling out critics of the Trump administration, labeling them as “black-pillers, life-losers, grifters and bums” who operate in bad faith.
Gaetz escalated things by posting a query to Grok about Bongino’s voting record, prompting a sharp retort that highlighted Bongino’s willingness to defend his principles over political gamesmanship.
Bongino, who has built a reputation for straight-talking conservatism, responded directly:
“Maybe if I spent more time at shady parties with monied insiders I would’ve won. I heard you’d know a bit about that. You’ve always been a d*ck by the way. Grifting off your daddy like a suckling little doggie. When I first met you in the panhandle I knew you were a piece of sh*t. It’s written all over that phony face of yours.”
This unfiltered comeback quickly went viral, underscoring Bongino’s history of standing firm against what he sees as establishment insiders.
Unpacking Bongino’s Electoral Journey and Gaetz’s Controversies
Bongino’s political path has been marked by determined but unsuccessful bids, including a 2016 primary loss for a Florida House seat, as well as earlier runs for Senate and House positions in Maryland under the Tea Party banner.
Despite these challenges, Bongino has channeled his energy into media and law enforcement roles, recently stepping away from the FBI to focus on his influential platform.
On the other side, Gaetz’s taunt comes amid his own turbulent history, including withdrawing from consideration for attorney general in November 2024 after old allegations of s*xual misconduct resurfaced in a House Ethics Committee report—prompting his resignation from Congress.
President Trump initially selected Gaetz but later pivoted to former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi.
The Justice Department under Biden declined to press charges related to the claims. Gaetz defended himself on X, stating: “In my single days, I often sent funds to women I dated – even some I never dated but who asked. I dated several of these women for years. I NEVER had s*xual contact with someone under 18. Any claim that I have would be destroyed in court – which is why no such claim was ever made in court. My 30’s were an era of working very hard – and playing hard too. It’s embarrassing, though not criminal, that I probably partied, womanized, drank and smoked more than I should have earlier in life. I live a different life now.”
Broader Implications in Conservative Circles
The spat also touches on recent developments, such as One America News Network dismissing a producer from Gaetz’s show in November 2025 over an antisemitic AI-generated cartoon.
While Gaetz has faced scrutiny, Bongino’s pointed criticism resonates with those frustrated by perceived opportunism in politics, potentially strengthening his appeal among grassroots conservatives who value authenticity over insider dealings.
