FBI Deputy Director Announces Departure Amid Eventful Tenure
In a surprising announcement, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino declared his resignation effective January, marking the end of a dynamic period in the bureau’s leadership. Bongino, who took to social media platform X to express his gratitude, acknowledged President Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and FBI Director Kash Patel for their support, saying, “I had the opportunity to serve with purpose.”
Appointed to a role usually reserved for seasoned FBI agents, Bongino’s selection was unconventional. Neither he nor Patel, his superior, had prior FBI experience. However, Bongino’s background includes significant stints in law enforcement as a police officer and a Secret Service agent, complemented by his outspoken advocacy for Trump.
Over the past decade, Bongino has garnered attention as a pro-Trump podcaster, known for promoting conspiracy theories, some of which targeted the FBI. He has been a vocal critic of the bureau, often alleging it was “weaponized” against conservatives and accusing its agents of misconduct, referring to them as “thugs” (source).
Bongino’s time at the FBI was marked by friction with the Justice Department, notably over the management of the Jeffrey Epstein case files. Despite these challenges, Bongino’s tenure was not without achievements, such as the recent arrest of a suspect linked to the January 6th pipe bomb incidents.
In a unique leadership structure, Bongino shared his deputy director responsibilities with Andrew Bailey, a former Missouri attorney general, since the summer. This arrangement was part of the Trump administration’s strategy to bolster the FBI’s leadership.
President Trump commended Bongino’s service, stating, “Dan did a great job,” and hinted at Bongino’s return to his podcasting career: “I think he wants to go back to his show.”
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino speaks during a news conference on an arrest of a suspect in the January 6th pipe bomb case at the Department of Justice on Dec. 4, 2025. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
