Former FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino disclosed a counterintelligence tactic he deployed to identify leakers within the bureau during his tenure, revealing he planted false information about his schedule to trap agents who were sharing details with the media.

The Two FBIs Bongino Encountered

Bongino described a sharp divide within the agency during his appearance on the “Hang Out with Sean Hannity” podcast released Tuesday. He characterized the bureau as split between dedicated professionals working violent crime cases and child exploitation units, and what he termed “snakes” who undermined operations through unauthorized media contacts. The challenge, he explained, was determining which agents fell into each category during his early weeks on the job.

The distinction proved difficult to navigate. Bongino and FBI Director Kash Patel often sought advice from others about which personnel could be trusted, but those recommendations sometimes backfired. In one instance, Bongino recalled being told to trust a specific agent, only to see information leak to media outlets within a week, making the source of the breach clear.

The Trap That Exposed Leakers

To identify the individuals sharing information with journalists, Bongino developed a deliberate strategy. He fabricated minor details about his schedule and shared them selectively with suspected leakers. When those specific details appeared in news reports, he had confirmation of who was communicating with the press. “It was like we would play this little game,” Bongino said, describing the process of rooting out unauthorized sources.

Brief Tenure With Reform Mission

Bongino joined the FBI in March 2025 and departed in January 2026 after nearly a year in the deputy director role. At the time of his appointment, he stated his objective was restoring an agency that operated with transparency and accountability while eliminating political bias. His mission centered on ensuring the bureau remained focused on protecting Americans and upholding constitutional principles. The revelations about internal divisions and leaking suggest the challenges he faced in achieving those reform goals during his brief tenure at the agency’s upper leadership levels.