Former FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino challenged former President Barack Obama this week after Obama criticized the Trump administration’s handling of the Department of Justice, intensifying a dispute over federal law enforcement.
Obama made his remarks during an appearance with late-night host Stephen Colbert, where he questioned whether the White House should direct prosecutions against political opponents. “The White House shouldn’t be able to direct the attorney general to go around prosecuting whoever,” Obama said. “The idea is that the attorney general is the people’s lawyer. It’s not the president’s consigliere.”
Bongino’s Response
Bongino responded publicly, suggesting Obama himself could face scrutiny over actions related to the Russia investigation and allegations of political weaponization during the 2016 transition period. “What was with the tweet – the shock to my core? Well, in case you missed it, some of you may have, I’m gonna tell ya,” Bongino said. “Because what Barack Obama said the other day – was it Colbert’s show? No. No, no. We’re not doing that. You know, I know things too, Mr. President.”
WHOA!
Former FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino minces no words – President Barack Obama in on his radar:
"What was with the tweet – the shock to my core? well, in case you missed it, some of you may have, I'm gonna tell ya. Because what Barack Obama said the other day, was it… pic.twitter.com/98gDbClvI3
— Conservative Brief (@ConservBrief) May 8, 2026
Bongino did not specify what information he was referencing, but his comments fueled speculation among Trump allies that additional investigations into the origins of the Trump-Russia probe could be forthcoming.
Administration Defense
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche rejected Obama’s accusations that the Justice Department is being politicized under Trump. “We are absolutely doing nothing but what we should be doing at the Department of Justice,” Blanche said.
.@MZHemingway rips Obama after saying he wants a Republican party that respects the “rule of law."
“It's actually reprehensible commentary from the man who instigated the Russia collusion hoax, one of the most horrific things to ever be perpetrated on the country."
"He refused… https://t.co/H5BjdCb1IU pic.twitter.com/zlBvAzvfPk
— Western Lensman (@WesternLensman) May 7, 2026
Blanche defended the administration’s authority under Article II of the Constitution, arguing that executive power is vested in the president and that the White House is entitled to direct policy priorities within the Justice Department.
Ongoing Investigations
The Justice Department has faced mounting scrutiny following aggressive investigations into Trump opponents and former officials. Former FBI Director James Comey was recently indicted in North Carolina over a 2025 social media post showing seashells arranged to read “86 47,” which prosecutors alleged constituted a threat against President Trump. Comey has denied intending violence and said he removed the post after realizing some interpreted it as threatening.
Earlier indictments against Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James tied to separate investigations were previously dismissed after a federal judge ruled that the interim prosecutor overseeing those cases had been improperly appointed.
This story has been updated. CNN’s political team contributed to this report.
