Former FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino sharply criticized former President Barack Obama this week after Obama questioned the Trump administration’s approach to the Department of Justice, intensifying the ongoing political debate over the role and independence of federal law enforcement.
During an interview with late-night host Stephen Colbert, Obama argued that the White House should not direct criminal prosecutions against political opponents. He emphasized that the attorney general serves the American people rather than acting as the president’s personal legal representative.
Obama’s comments came as the Justice Department continues pursuing investigations involving several prominent figures who have publicly criticized President Donald Trump, including former FBI Director James Comey, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and former National Security Adviser John Bolton.
Bongino responded during a public appearance, suggesting Obama should be cautious when discussing the Justice Department. Without providing details, he hinted that information related to the origins of the Trump-Russia investigation could become relevant in future inquiries.
“I know things too, Mr. President,” Bongino said. “And I’m not letting you get away with this.”
His remarks quickly fueled speculation among Trump supporters that additional investigations into the 2016 Russia probe may be forthcoming.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche also rejected Obama’s criticism during an interview with CBS News. Blanche argued that accusations of political weaponization were misplaced, noting that Trump himself had been the subject of multiple investigations during the Biden administration.
Holding up a copy of the Constitution, Blanche pointed to Article II, arguing that executive authority is vested in the president and that the administration has the constitutional authority to establish Justice Department priorities.
The controversy comes as the Justice Department faces increased scrutiny over several high-profile cases. James Comey was recently indicted in North Carolina over a 2025 social media post displaying seashells arranged to read “86 47,” which prosecutors claim threatened Trump, the nation’s 47th president. Comey has denied any violent intent, stating he removed the post after learning some interpreted it as threatening.
Separately, earlier indictments involving Comey and Letitia James were dismissed after a federal judge ruled that the interim prosecutor handling those cases had not been properly appointed.
The debate has also revived disagreements over the origins of the Russia investigation. Conservative commentator Mollie Hemingway accused Obama of helping launch what she called the “Russia collusion hoax,” claiming his administration sought to undermine Trump following the 2016 election. Obama and former officials have consistently rejected those allegations, maintaining that the Russia investigation was initiated based on intelligence and law enforcement concerns rather than political motives.
