Leaked Video: Dan Bongino Goes MAD at Gavin Newsom, SLAMS TABLE After Federal Threat

The tension between state and federal authority hit a boiling point this week after former Secret Service agent and conservative commentator Dan Bongino delivered a fiery on-air takedown of California Governor Gavin Newsom, following what Bongino described as an “arrogant and dangerous” challenge to federal law enforcement.

The confrontation — now circulating online under the viral headline “We Don’t Answer to You!” — unfolded during Bongino’s appearance on Lawrence Jones Cross Country, where he discussed the FBI’s latest nationwide crackdown on violent crime. What began as a routine update on federal operations quickly exploded into a rare, unscripted moment of raw emotion and authority.

“We Don’t Work for the Locals”

Bongino, a former NYPD officer and longtime defender of law enforcement, began the segment by praising local cooperation with federal agencies. But his tone shifted sharply when the conversation turned to California’s resistance to federal operations.

“You know, Lawrence,” he said firmly, leaning forward on set, “we don’t work for the locals. We work for the American people. We’re the FBI — not the local police department. And our job is to protect this country, period.”

The remark seemed ordinary — until Bongino was informed that Governor Gavin Newsom had publicly criticized federal agents, calling them “unwanted in California.”

That’s when Bongino’s composure cracked.

The Moment Everything Changed

According to multiple studio sources, Bongino’s tone grew sharper as he listened to the governor’s words quoted live. Then came the outburst that lit up social media.

“Well, we don’t answer to the governor of California,” he fired back, pounding the desk. “We answer to the President, the American people, the Attorney General, and the Deputy Attorney General. That’s the chain of command.”

He paused — visibly trying to control his frustration — before adding with clenched teeth, “I was going to say something different, but I’ve got to control my mouth on air with Gavin Newsom.”

The clip instantly went viral, with Bongino’s line — “We don’t answer to you!” — becoming the rallying cry for conservatives frustrated with what they call “state-level interference” in national crime enforcement.

Behind the Scenes: A Federal Crackdown

What triggered this exchange was a new FBI initiative targeting violent crime in major U.S. cities, including San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Bongino explained that the operation began months earlier under the directive of the President, who reportedly told the bureau, “Go get them, boys.”

According to Bongino, the results have been staggering: over 28,000 violent crime arrests in 2025 — nearly double the yearly average from previous administrations. “That’s what happens,” Bongino said, “when you have leadership that lets the FBI do FBI work instead of political nonsense.”

But not everyone is celebrating. Newsom’s office posted a statement on X (formerly Twitter) warning that federal intrusion would “ruin one of America’s greatest cities.”

“Ask the Grandmother in San Francisco”

Bongino’s rebuttal to that statement struck a chord with viewers — and with millions of Americans tired of rising urban crime.

“Go ask the 67-year-old grandmother in San Francisco,” he said passionately, “the one who’s had a drug dealer on her corner for ten years harassing her grandkids — ask her if she wants us there. Ask her if she wants the FBI, the DEA, and U.S. Marshals cleaning up her neighborhood.”

His voice cracked slightly as he added, “That’s the American people we answer to — not some governor who thinks he’s above the law.”

That line — equal parts anger and conviction — resonated across political lines. Even some moderate Democrats acknowledged the emotional power behind Bongino’s defense of federal agents.

Political Shockwaves

The fallout has been swift. Within hours, hashtags like #WeDontAnswerToYou and #BonginoVsNewsom began trending nationwide. Conservative outlets hailed Bongino as “the voice of accountability,” while progressive commentators accused him of “grandstanding for clicks.”

Meanwhile, inside California’s Capitol, insiders describe Newsom as “furious but cautious.” One staffer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the governor was “not expecting Bongino’s comments to blow up this fast” and that his team is now preparing an official response.

The White House, however, has remained silent — a move analysts interpret as tacit support for federal operations continuing as planned.

A Larger Battle Over Power

Political experts see the clash as more than just a TV moment — it’s a reflection of a deeper struggle between federal authority and state autonomy.

Dr. Evelyn Parker, a political science professor at Georgetown University, explained: “What we’re witnessing is the modern echo of an old American conflict — who truly holds the power to enforce law and order? Bongino’s outburst, while emotional, speaks to a growing divide over who is ultimately responsible for public safety.”

That divide is likely to widen as the 2026 election season approaches, with crime rates and law enforcement strategies taking center stage once again.

“Go Get Them, Boys”

As the interview ended, Bongino leaned back, visibly calmer but still resolute.

He recalled the President’s early words to federal agents — “Go get them, boys.”

For Bongino, those weren’t just marching orders — they were a mission.

“We’ve got 28,000 people off the streets,” he said proudly. “You tell me that’s not progress. You tell me that’s not what the American people want. The people want safety. They want justice. And they want leaders who aren’t afraid to fight for it.”

He paused — then looked straight into the camera.

“And to anyone who thinks they can threaten or intimidate the federal government…” he smirked, “we don’t answer to you.”