Fact Check: Trump taps new Deputy Director of the FBI to run the DOJ's Office of Special Projects.

Fact Check: "Trump taps new Deputy Director of the FBI to run the DOJ's Office of Special Projects."

What We Know

The claim that "Trump taps new Deputy Director of the FBI to run the DOJ's Office of Special Projects" is misleading. On February 23, 2025, President Donald Trump appointed Dan Bongino as the Deputy Director of the FBI, not to run the Department of Justice's Office of Special Projects. Bongino, a former U.S. Secret Service agent and conservative commentator, was announced as the deputy director via a post on Trump's Truth Social platform, where Trump praised him as “a man of incredible love and passion for our Country” (AP News, BBC). The role of Deputy Director of the FBI is primarily focused on overseeing the bureau's law enforcement operations, and it does not involve direct oversight of the DOJ's Office of Special Projects.

Analysis

The claim conflates two distinct roles within the federal government. The FBI operates under the Department of Justice (DOJ), but the Deputy Director of the FBI does not manage the DOJ's Office of Special Projects. The Office of Special Projects is a separate entity within the DOJ, which handles specific initiatives and operations that are not under the direct purview of the FBI.

Bongino's appointment has raised concerns due to his lack of formal FBI experience, as both he and the newly appointed FBI Director Kash Patel are considered Trump loyalists with backgrounds in conservative media rather than law enforcement (NBC News, New York Times). This has led to discussions about the implications for the FBI's operational integrity and independence, especially given the political context surrounding their appointments (AP News, BBC).

The sources used to confirm Bongino's appointment are credible news outlets, including the Associated Press and BBC, which provide factual reporting on political appointments. However, the claim itself misrepresents the nature of Bongino's role and responsibilities within the FBI.

Conclusion

Verdict: False. The claim that Trump appointed Dan Bongino to run the DOJ's Office of Special Projects is incorrect. Bongino was appointed as the Deputy Director of the FBI, a position that does not oversee the DOJ's Office of Special Projects. This misrepresentation of his role leads to confusion about the structure and responsibilities of these governmental positions.