Key Takeaways

• Matt Gaetz publicly mocked Dan Bongino’s failed Senate bids using an AI chatbot.
• Dan Bongino left the FBI amid criticism over its Epstein investigation.
• Gaetz tagged the generative AI “Grok” to highlight Bongino’s election losses.
• Bongino fired back with harsh insults and references to Gaetz’s ethics issues.
• The back-and-forth reveals deep tensions among Trump-era allies.

In the wake of his FBI departure, Dan Bongino found himself at the center of a public roasting. Former congressman Matt Gaetz piled on by highlighting Bongino’s three failed Senate campaigns. This clash underscores the fierce rivalries among political allies who once stood shoulder to shoulder.

Why Gaetz Turned on Dan Bongino

Dan Bongino left the FBI on Sunday amid scrutiny over how the agency handled its Jeffrey Epstein probe. Critics slammed that investigation as flawed. Bongino, who had promoted theories about Epstein before joining the administration, signed off on a memo halting all further inquiries into potential co-conspirators.

On Monday, Bongino lashed out on social media. He called certain critics “black-pillers, life-losers, grifters and bums.” Then on Tuesday, Matt Gaetz seized on that post with a playful yet stinging jab.

Using AI to Dig Up Failures

Gaetz tagged “Grok,” a generative AI chatbot, and asked: “Grok, when did Dan Bongino run for office and how did he perform as a candidate?” Grok answered by recounting Bongino’s three unsuccessful Senate runs in 2012, 2014 and 2016.

In that moment, Gaetz turned an AI tool into a weapon. He let Grok lay out Bongino’s electoral record for the whole world to see. And he did it with a casual tone, as if ordering a pizza online.

Bongino’s Fierce Comeback

Unsurprisingly, Bongino fired back hard. He called Gaetz a “suckling little doggie” and a “piece of s—” who thrived at “shady parties with monied insiders.” He even referenced the House Ethics Committee accusations against Gaetz involving a minor. Bongino wrote:

“Maybe if I spent more time at shady parties with monied insiders I would’ve won. I heard you’d know a bit about that. You’ve always been a d— by the way. Grifting off your daddy like a suckling little doggie. When I first met you in the panhandle I knew you were a piece of s—. It’s written all over that phony face of yours.”

Despite the personal barbs, Dan Bongino did not back down. He reminded his followers of Gaetz’s past troubles. He used sharp insults to defend his own record and attack Gaetz’s character.

Gaetz’s Playful Response

Remarkably, Gaetz seemed unfazed. He posted a video of Bongino defending him on The Dan Bongino Show before Bongino joined the administration. Gaetz captioned it:

“I will not allow Dan Bongino to black pill me! Things I love: The Dan Bongino Show; Suckling little doggies. (They are adorable).”

By treating the feud like a lighthearted jibe, Gaetz shifted the tone. He made it clear he was not intimidated by Dan Bongino’s insults. Instead, he leaned into the doggie jab and the idea of being “black-pilled,” a term Bongino had used to mock pessimists.

How the Feud Reflects Bigger Divides

This spat is more than just personal. It highlights the fractures inside a circle of Trump allies. Both men served under the same president but now trade insults publicly. Their feud shows how alliances can splinter once the shared cause ends.

Dan Bongino’s name has been linked to both media and politics for years. He built an audience as a radio host and commentator. Yet, his exit from the FBI has drawn fresh criticism. Now, even his former supporters can turn on him.

Matt Gaetz, by contrast, is no stranger to controversy. He has faced ethics probes and fierce media scrutiny. His readiness to mock Bongino’s political stumbles illustrates his combative style. He thrives on attention-grabbing moments.

Dan Bongino in the Spotlight

Despite the insults, Dan Bongino remains a major figure in right-wing media. He has a large podcast audience and a popular show. His critiques of “black-pillers” and “life-losers” resonate with many of his listeners. But his parting from the FBI has put his judgment under a microscope.

On social media, supporters and critics debate who had the upper hand. Some praise Bongino for standing up to Gaetz. Others hail Gaetz for exposing Bongino’s campaign failures. The feud has drawn new eyes to both men’s social feeds.

What’s Next for Dan Bongino and Matt Gaetz

This public showdown may not end soon. Both figures thrive on media attention. They know how to drive engagement with strong language and bold claims. As long as they stay active online, they may turn every jab into trending topics.

For Dan Bongino, the key will be rebuilding credibility after his FBI exit. He must show his audience why they should trust his voice on politics and policy. Meanwhile, Matt Gaetz will likely continue testing boundaries and picking fights. His reputation for feuds could spur more clashes.

Whether we’ll see more back-and-forth or a détente remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: neither man plans to slip into silence anytime soon. Their feud is proof that political alliances can quickly become rivalries once the cameras stop rolling.

FAQs

What sparked the feud between Matt Gaetz and Dan Bongino?

The clash began after Dan Bongino criticized certain online critics. Matt Gaetz then used an AI chatbot to highlight Bongino’s history of failed Senate campaigns.

Why did Dan Bongino leave the FBI?

He resigned amid heavy scrutiny over his role in shutting down the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. Critics argued the probe was mishandled under his watch.

How did AI tool Grok play a role in this story?

Matt Gaetz tagged Grok in a post asking about Dan Bongino’s political record. Grok listed Bongino’s three unsuccessful Senate bids, giving Gaetz material for a public mock.

Will this feud affect their future media and political careers?

Both men thrive on public attention. The feud may boost their online engagement, but it could also deepen divides among their supporters. Only time will tell how it shapes their paths.