Stephen King Deletes Social Media Posts Attacking Dan Bongino

A Brief Introduction to the Situation

In a surprising turn of events, renowned author Stephen King appears to have deleted old social media posts in which he attacked Dan Bongino, a conservative podcaster who was recently appointed as the Deputy Director of the FBI by President Donald Trump. This deletion has sparked curiosity and debate among social media users, particularly those who followed the contentious exchange between the two figures in Spring 2023. The deletion of King’s comments has left many wondering about the reasons behind this decision, and whether it signals a broader shift in how public figures manage their online interactions.

The History of Conflict Between Stephen King and Dan Bongino

The relationship between Stephen King and Dan Bongino has been fraught with tension, particularly on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter). In May 2023, the pair engaged in a heated exchange that quickly went viral. Bongino, known for his outspoken political views, had criticized then-President Joe Biden, calling him "a disgrace to humankind." King responded with a witty remark, suggesting that Biden, at least, had a "real job," unlike Bongino, who King implied was merely hosting a podcast. Bongino fired back with a series of personal insults, mocking King’s career and personal life.

The exchange was widely covered in the media, with many criticizing Bongino for his aggressive tone and questioning his decision to target someone as respected and accomplished as Stephen King. King, known for his sharp wit and progressive political views, has long been a vocal critic of Donald Trump and his allies. Bongino, on the other hand, has built a career as a conservative commentator, hosting a popular podcast and frequently sharing his political opinions on social media.

The Deleted Posts and the Speculation Surrounding Them

As of now, it is unclear when or why Stephen King decided to delete his half of the acrimonious exchange. Users who attempted to revisit the exchange over the weekend were met with a message indicating that King’s posts had been removed. This has led to speculation about King’s motivations. Some have suggested that King may have decided to take the high road, choosing to avoid further engagement with Bongino. Others have speculated that the deletion may have been part of a broader effort to clean up his online presence.

Newsweek reached out to King’s representatives for comment, as well as Bongino via his website, but no official statement has been issued at the time of writing. The deletion of these posts has only added fuel to the fire, with many on social media interpreting it as an admission of sorts, or perhaps a sign that King no longer wishes to engage with Bongino on such a public stage.

Dan Bongino’s Appointment as Deputy FBI Director

The backdrop to this drama is Dan Bongino’s recent appointment as Deputy Director of the FBI by President Donald Trump. Bongino, a former New York City Police Department officer and Secret Service agent, has a long history of involvement in conservative politics. He has run for Congress multiple times, albeit unsuccessfully, and has built a significant following through his podcast and social media presence.

President Trump praised Bongino in a statement on his social media platform, Truth Social, calling him a "man of incredible love and passion for our Country." Trump also highlighted Bongino’s academic credentials, noting that he holds a Master’s degree in Psychology from C.U.N.Y. and an MBA from Penn State. Bongino’s appointment has been met with criticism from some quarters, given his political leanings and his lack of direct experience in the upper echelons of the FBI.

Reactions to the Appointment and the Deleted Posts

The news of Bongino’s appointment and the subsequent deletion of Stephen King’s posts have both sparked significant reactions online. Many have expressed concern about Bongino’s suitability for the role, given his background as a partisan commentator. Others have criticized Trump’s decision, arguing that it represents a further politicization of the FBI.

As for Stephen King, his decision to delete the posts has been met with a mix of confusion and admiration. Some have praised him for taking the high road, while others have expressed disappointment, arguing that King’s voice is an important one in the ongoing cultural and political debate. The exchange between King and Bongino has been held up as an example of the toxic nature of online discourse, with both men engaging in personal attacks and name-calling.

What Happens Next?

Looking ahead, it remains to be seen how Dan Bongino will perform in his new role as Deputy FBI Director. His critics will likely be watching his every move, eager to pounce on any sign of partisanship or mismanagement. For Stephen King, the question is whether he will continue to engage in political commentary, and how he will navigate the challenges of maintaining a public presence in an increasingly polarized and toxic online environment.

The deletion of his posts has only added to the intrigue, leaving many to wonder what other moves King may make in the future. One thing is certain, however: the clash between Stephen King and Dan Bongino has provided a stark reminder of the challenges of engaging in public discourse in the age of social media, where even the most prominent figures are not immune to the pressures and pitfalls of online interactions.