Conservative podcast host and commentator Dan Bongino described how it is time for him to “step up” as FBI deputy director, so he can properly restore faith within the FBI and be the change he and many others want to see within the agency.

An emotional Bongino started Monday’s episode of The Dan Bongino Show by asking, “how do you start today’s show”, which came hours after President Donald Trump announced Bongino’s new role.

Bongino told his audience he received a call from Trump on Sunday night while he was relaxing at home watching television. While he didn’t disclose the exact details of that conversation, he admitted to breaking down when it became official.

“I am going to accept the role proudly,” Bongino said as he choked up. “Bongino army out there, I hope you understand about this.”

Bongino then played a clip of a speech he gave at The Heritage Foundation 11 years ago, during which he described how it will take “a tidal wave of people speaking out” to create effective change within the government.

The radio and podcast host admitted that it is “not easy” to say goodbye to his show, saying how it originally started “in a basement.” Bongino also acknowledged that he, his wife, Paula, and the rest of his family have been through many challenges in life, and he thanked his wife for always being “willing to take a chance” on him and his endeavors.

The former Secret Service agent and New York City Police Department officer reflected on how he has felt he does not have “a real job” with commentating and that he feels as if his viewers, made up of truckers, police officers, and military members, are the ones getting their “hands dirty.”

“I appreciate everything, but if the due matters, I’m not going to sit here as a commentator, talking head, whatever dopey title we have, I’m not going to sit here and tell you that due matters and then sit on my ass when an opportunity comes to do the right thing,” Bongino said. “And not only talk about everything we wanted to change but actually change it.”

Bongino also spoke out against “attack pieces” against him, suggesting that those writers do not understand what it means to “commit to service” for the nation. He then asked if those speaking out against his appointment to FBI deputy director had seen “what I did before I came here,” referring to his time in the Secret Service and the police force before starting his show.

“It’s going to hurt to leave,” Bongino said. “I’ll discuss over the course of the coming days — I’ll be with you a little bit longer on radio and on my show. I will discuss exactly what’s going to happen.”

Trump congratulated Bongino in his announcement, saying the appointment was “great news for Law Enforcement and American Justice.” New FBI Director Kash Patel has also offered similar praise, saying that Bongino would deliver “strong leadership” for the agency.

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The final episode of The Dan Bongino Show is scheduled to air on Friday, March 14. Cumulus Media and Westwood One issued a statement extending their “heartfelt congratulations” on the commentator’s new position.

The Washington Examiner has contacted Cumulus Media to find out who will fill Bongino’s radio spot from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET.