WASHINGTON—Late Sunday, a group representing thousands of FBI agents told its members it was optimistic about the agency’s future, in part because its new director, Kash Patel, had assured the group he would choose a deputy from among their ranks.

FBI deputy director Dan Bongino is a bombastic podcast host who has never worked at the FBI and has spent years pushing conspiracy theories about the bureau.

US President Donald Trump has named Dan Bongino as the deputy director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). A far-right podcaster and commentator, Bongino will serve under Indian-origin Kash Patel,