On February 23, 2025, Dan Bongino was announced as the new FBI Deputy Director. The appointment quickly stirred discussions, as Bongino, a former Secret Service agent and political commentator, has been vocal about his strong pro-Second Amendment views.
Over the years, he has repeatedly expressed opposition to gun control measures, often arguing from both constitutional and personal safety perspectives. His past statements provide insight into how his leadership might shape the FBI’s stance on gun-related issues.
Here’s what you need to know.
Gun Rights as a Personal and Constitutional Matter
Bongino’s argument against gun control is deeply rooted in personal responsibility. In a 2013 speech at a gun rights rally in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, he made it clear that he does not believe the government has the authority to regulate an individual’s right to self-defense. “I’m not asking you for your permission to defend them,” he said, referring to his two daughters. “That was given to me by my God.” This statement underscores a philosophy that the right to bear arms is not something granted by the government but an inherent right that should not be restricted.
Gun Control as “People Control”
One of Bongino’s more striking assertions is that gun control is not about firearms at all – it is about control over people. He made this claim during the same 2013 Chambersburg rally, stating, “This was never about guns… this was about attacking an idea – the idea of Liberty and freedom.” By framing gun regulation as an issue of government overreach rather than public safety, Bongino aligns himself with those who view the Second Amendment as a safeguard against tyranny rather than merely a means of self-defense.
Rejecting the “Gun-Toting Redneck” Stereotype
Bongino has also pushed back against the way gun rights advocates are portrayed in the media. In a heated FOX News segment discussing the 2017 Las Vegas shooting, he criticized what he saw as condescension from gun control advocates: “Stop talking to us like we’re a bunch of gun-toting rednecks… I have kids too.” His frustration highlights a key point in the gun control debate – many gun owners do not see themselves as extremists but as responsible citizens who want to protect their families.
The NRA and the “Terrorist” Label
During the same FOX News segment, Bongino also addressed accusations that the National Rifle Association (NRA) and its members contribute to gun violence. He took issue with social media hashtags like “#NRATerrorists,” arguing that it unfairly targets law-abiding gun owners. “So the country’s sportsmen, fathers, mothers who want to protect their own kids… all of a sudden we’re terrorists?” he asked, emphasizing that law-abiding gun owners should not be blamed for the actions of criminals.
No Compromise on Firearm Purchases
Another area where Bongino refuses to budge is government oversight on firearm purchases. During a separate FOX News appearance, he was asked whether a background check system should flag individuals who purchase large quantities of firearms in a short period. His response was firm: “Why should I have to explain that away to the government?” His stance reflects a fundamental opposition to measures that he believes unfairly burden law-abiding gun owners while failing to prevent criminal activity.
Fear of Gun Ownership Restrictions in New York
Bongino has expressed concerns about strict gun laws, particularly in states like New York. In a segment on NRATV, he admitted that even as a strong Second Amendment supporter, he is hesitant to carry a firearm in New York due to the legal risks involved. “It frightens the hell out of me to carry a firearm in New York because I know there is some administrative hassle if, God forbid, you have to use it.” This highlights a common concern among gun rights advocates – that strict gun laws create legal traps for those who want to defend themselves.
A Disagreement with Trump on Due Process
Interestingly, Bongino has not always aligned with Trump on gun-related issues. In response to a 2018 comment from then-President Trump suggesting that authorities should “take the guns first, through due process second,” Bongino disagreed. “Well, that’s not what due process is,” he said on FOX News. While he remained supportive of Trump overall, this moment revealed that Bongino is unwilling to accept compromises on gun rights – even from a leader he otherwise respects.
High-Capacity Magazines: A Matter of Terminology
During another NRATV segment, Bongino dismissed concerns about so-called “high-capacity magazines,” arguing that what gun control advocates call “high-capacity” are actually standard magazines for many firearms. His point speaks to a broader argument within the gun rights community: that much of the gun control debate is based on misleading terminology rather than an understanding of firearms themselves.
Criminals and Gun Laws
One of Bongino’s most forceful arguments against gun control is that criminals do not follow the law. “This entire debate is based on a faulty premise,” he said during a FOX News debate. “Criminals don’t give a crap about gun laws.” His argument is that restricting legal gun ownership only affects law-abiding citizens, while those who intend to commit crimes will find ways to obtain weapons regardless of regulations.
Skepticism Toward Gun Access Restrictions
Following the 2017 Las Vegas shooting, Bongino rejected proposals to ban bump stocks, which modify semi-automatic weapons to fire at a faster rate. “We’re not going to legislate our way out of this,” he stated. His belief is that banning accessories like bump stocks is ineffective because technological advancements, like 3D printing, make it easy to create replacements. This skepticism toward regulation aligns with his broader argument that laws cannot eliminate the presence of evil in society.
What Bongino’s Views Mean for the FBI
Now that Bongino is the FBI’s Deputy Director, his past statements suggest that the agency may take a more defensive stance toward gun rights. His strong opposition to gun control, distrust of government oversight, and belief in the Second Amendment as a protection against tyranny could influence how the FBI approaches firearm-related policies and investigations.
Given that the FBI plays a key role in background checks and firearm regulations, his appointment raises questions about whether the agency’s approach will shift in a way that favors fewer restrictions on gun ownership.
A Bold Future for the FBI?
Bongino’s appointment signals a significant shift in leadership at the FBI, one that could have lasting implications for gun policy in the United States. His vocal and unwavering stance on gun rights makes it likely that he will resist any push for stricter firearm regulations. Whether this will lead to a broader change in the FBI’s enforcement priorities remains to be seen.
However, one thing is clear: Dan Bongino’s views on gun control are well-documented, and they will undoubtedly shape his approach to law enforcement at the highest levels.
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The article New FBI Deputy Director’s Past Gun Control Stance Sparks Debate first appeared on Survival World.
A former park ranger and wildlife conservationist, Lisa’s passion for survival started with her deep connection to nature. Raised on a small farm in northern Wisconsin, she learned how to grow her own food, raise livestock, and live off the land. Lisa is our dedicated Second Amendment news writer and also focuses on homesteading, natural remedies, and survival strategies. Lisa aims to help others live more sustainably and prepare for the unexpected.
