Political commentator and former Secret Service agent Dan Bongino recently turned his attention to Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) during a segment on his popular podcast, just days before former President Donald Trump appointed him as deputy director of the FBI—a move that has sparked intense debate within political circles.Bongino wasted no time in delivering sharp criticism of Schiff, especially over the ongoing claims of Russian interference in U.S. elections.
“Why is Adam Schiff so concerned? I strongly encourage you to take another look at the Russia collusion hoax,” Bongino said, referencing the controversy that once dominated national headlines and political discussions.
Bongino, expressing a steadfast determination to keep the issue in the public eye, stated, “I’m gonna be honest with you. I don’t want to move on.” He went further, accusing federal agencies, lawmakers, and international intelligence officials of crafting a narrative that, in his view, could have had serious diplomatic consequences.
“We had the FBI, the Department of Justice, members of Congress, foreign governments, and intelligence operatives all create a story that could have seriously damaged international relations with a nuclear adversary,” he argued. “This is a huge issue.”
Bongino also hinted at upcoming developments, underscoring the importance of his stance. “Listen to me—this is going to be very significant in the coming days. I’m not letting this go. I want to find out what really happened because this can never happen again. Not to a Democrat. Not to a Republican. Not to a Libertarian. Not to any citizen of the United States.”
In his criticism of Schiff, Bongino pointed out the role the senator played in promoting the Russia allegations. “Who was the ringmaster of that circus? Yes, Adam Schiff, and no, I’m not letting it go,” he added.
Schiff’s Preemptive Pardon Sparks Debate
As the controversy over the Russia investigation continued, another major development surfaced concerning Schiff’s legal standing. Former President Joe Biden had granted Schiff a preemptive pardon for his involvement in the Democrat-led January 6 Commission. While Schiff accepted the pardon, he publicly questioned its necessity.
In a formal statement, Schiff expressed, “I continue to believe that granting pardons to a committee that undertook such important work to uphold the law was unnecessary and, because of the precedent it establishes, unwise. But I certainly understand why President Biden believed he needed to take this step in light of the persistent and baseless threats issued by Donald Trump and individuals who are now some of his law enforcement nominees.”
However, the full scope of this pardon remains unclear. Reports indicate that it offers “full and unconditional” protection for any offenses related to the committee’s work, but it does not clarify whether it extends to Schiff’s involvement in the Russia investigation or his public statements about former President Trump’s alleged ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Political Figures React to the Pardon and Ongoing Investigations
Key political figures involved in the January 6 Commission, including former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) and Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), addressed the pardon in a joint statement.
“These are indeed ‘extraordinary circumstances’ when public servants are pardoned to prevent false prosecution by the government for having worked faithfully as Members of Congress to expose the facts of a months-long criminal effort to override the will of the voters after the 2020 elections, including by inciting a violent insurrection to thwart the peaceful transfer of power,” they wrote.
Their statement, shared on social media, emphasized that their actions were driven by a commitment to uncovering the truth and ensuring accountability, rather than any form of wrongdoing.
Looking Ahead: Political Implications and Unanswered Questions
Bongino’s remarks, combined with his recent appointment to the FBI, suggest that the debate surrounding the Russia investigation and the events of the January 6 Commission are far from concluded. His insistence on revisiting these controversial issues signals a possible shift in investigative priorities, particularly within an administration that includes key law enforcement appointments by former President Trump.
Meanwhile, Schiff’s acceptance of the pardon without outright rejecting its necessity continues to fuel speculation. As political tensions rise and Bongino steps into his new role, the next few months are likely to bring renewed scrutiny to both past and present political narratives. This could have lasting implications for the national conversation on justice, accountability, and government transparency, leaving many unanswered questions that will continue to shape the political landscape.