Senator Adam Schiff has found himself at the center of a political firestorm following pointed remarks from Dan Bongino, the newly appointed Deputy Director of the FBI. In a recent broadcast of The Dan Bongino Show, aired just before his confirmation on February 24, 2025, Bongino labeled Schiff the “ringmaster” of the Trump-Russia collusion narrative, a saga he insists was a fabricated hoax that jeopardized U.S. electoral integrity and international relations. Bongino’s warning that Schiff should be “worried” has ignited widespread speculation, with conservative commentators and social media users celebrating what they see as an impending reckoning for the California Democrat. The timing of Bongino’s appointment under FBI Director Kash Patel, announced by President Donald Trump, amplifies the stakes, suggesting a potential probe into Schiff’s past actions.
Bongino’s critique centers on Schiff’s prominent role during Trump’s first term, particularly his leadership in pushing the Russia collusion allegations. As a key figure in the House Intelligence Committee, Schiff frequently claimed there was “more than circumstantial evidence” of Trump’s ties to Russia, a narrative later debunked by Special Counsel John Durham’s 2023 report. Bongino argued that this “hoax” involved the FBI, Department of Justice, Congress, and foreign intelligence, accusing Schiff of orchestrating a scheme to undermine Trump’s presidency. “You don’t get to change the course of electoral politics by fabricating a story,” Bongino declared, vowing not to “let it go.” His comments, posted on X, drew enthusiastic support, with users hailing him as a “warrior” poised to restore FBI integrity.
Schiff, in response, has decried Bongino’s appointment as a politicization of the FBI. In a February 24, 2025, X post, he called Bongino a “right-wing Fox personality and internet troll,” warning that his role threatens public safety and law enforcement impartiality. Democrats, including Senator Chris Murphy, echoed Schiff’s concerns, framing Bongino and Patel as Trump loyalists bent on targeting political foes. Yet, these criticisms have been overshadowed by conservative glee, with X posts mocking Schiff’s apparent panic. One user quipped, “Things Adam Schiff says when he knows he’s headed to prison,” referencing a preemptive pardon issued by President Joe Biden, which some claim Schiff accepted to shield himself from accountability.
The legal and political ramifications remain uncertain. While Bongino’s rhetoric suggests an aggressive stance, legal experts note that Schiff’s actions, though controversial, may not constitute prosecutable offenses. The Durham report criticized the handling of the Russia probe but did not recommend charges against Schiff. Moreover, Biden’s pardon, if valid, could complicate any legal pursuit, though Trump’s March 2025 claim to nullify it has stirred further debate. Critics of Bongino, including some X users, caution that his public threats risk tipping off targets, potentially allowing evidence destruction.
As the FBI undergoes a Trump-driven overhaul, Schiff’s fate hangs in the balance. Bongino’s vow to revisit the Russia collusion saga signals a broader push to address perceived abuses within federal agencies. Whether this leads to concrete action or remains political theater, the clash between Schiff and Bongino underscores deep divisions in American politics, with trust in institutions at stake.
