Christopher Raia, a career FBI agent, steps in to calm the storm left by Dan Bongino’s tumultuous tenure as co-deputy director of the FBI.
Story Snapshot
- Christopher Raia replaces Dan Bongino as co-deputy director of the FBI.
- Bongino’s brief tenure was marked by political controversy and clashes with the DOJ.
- Raia’s appointment represents a shift back to career professionalism within the FBI.
- The unusual co-deputy director structure continues with Andrew Bailey.
A Clash of Backgrounds
Dan Bongino, a former Secret Service agent turned conservative media personality, was an unusual choice for the FBI’s deputy director role. Appointed by Trump, his tenure was marked by political clashes, particularly over the Jeffrey Epstein files. Bongino’s lack of FBI experience made his appointment controversial from the start, and his public disagreements with the Department of Justice highlighted the friction between political and operational priorities.
NEW: FBI Veteran Chosen to Replace Bongino https://t.co/SKF7eCBHq1 #gatewaypundit via @gatewaypundit
— MaggieW (AKA) Superbitch (@MaggieW14052705) January 10, 2026
In stark contrast, Christopher Raia brings two decades of FBI experience to the position. Previously the head of the New York field office, Raia’s expertise in counterterrorism and violent crime investigations positions him as a stabilizing force within the bureau. His appointment signals a return to internal continuity and technical expertise, traits that have historically characterized the FBI’s leadership.
The Role of Co-Deputy Director
The decision to maintain a co-deputy director structure is unusual for the FBI. Andrew Bailey, the former Missouri attorney general, shares this role with Raia. This structure was introduced in 2025 and continues to shape the bureau’s leadership dynamics. While some may view this as a way to balance political and operational priorities, others see potential for internal power struggles, given the differing backgrounds and roles of the two deputies.
Raia’s leadership of the New York field office, a position of significant power and scrutiny, underscores his capability to handle high-profile, politically sensitive cases. His experience in counterterrorism and major criminal investigations reassures those within the FBI who are concerned about maintaining operational effectiveness amidst political pressures.
From Controversy to Stability
Bongino’s departure marks the end of a politically charged chapter for the FBI. His clashes with Attorney General Pam Bondi over the Epstein files exemplified the tensions between political appointees and institutional norms. As Bongino returns to his media career, the FBI under Raia’s co-leadership with Bailey aims to restore focus on professional expertise and operational integrity. This shift is likely to improve morale within the FBI and reduce public controversies that have plagued the bureau in recent years.
Raia’s appointment is a strategic move to stabilize the FBI’s leadership, ensuring that the bureau’s credibility and effectiveness are preserved. His background in counterterrorism and his leadership capabilities are expected to guide the FBI through the complexities of high-stakes national security and criminal investigations without the overhang of political drama.
