Dan Bongino, the conservative podcaster named deputy director of the FBI, has spent the past seven years publicly criticizing the agency he will now help run.

He is so charismatic, charming, funny, and comes with such great perspective. I have such respect for him. I actually got to direct him on his very first episode of FBI: Most Wanted back in Season 5.

“That’s a good one. That’s really funny.” The FBI declined to comment. Bongino addressed his critics Monday on his podcast, appearing to strike a slightly more leveled tone while still ...