Dan Bongino has announced he will leave his role as deputy director of the FBI in January 2026. The former podcast host and staunch Trump ally expressed gratitude to President Donald Trump, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Attorney General Pam Bondi for the opportunity to serve in the federal law enforcement agency.
Bongino’s Departure and Statement
On Wednesday, Bongino shared a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“I will be leaving my position with the FBI in January. I want to thank President Trump, AG [Pam] Bondi, and Director [Kash] Patel for the opportunity to serve with purpose. Most importantly, I want to thank you, my fellow Americans, for the privilege to serve you. God bless America, and all those who defend Her.”
President Trump praised Bongino’s tenure, calling him a “great deputy director” and noting he “wants to go back to his show.”
A Controversial Appointment
Bongino was appointed by Trump in February 2025, surprising many within the FBI. Unlike his predecessors, he had no prior FBI experience, having previously served as a New York City police officer and a US Secret Service agent tasked with protecting Barack Obama.
His appointment drew criticism from the FBI Agents Association, which represents roughly 14,000 current and former agents, who opposed a political appointee with no agency background.
Focus on the Pipe Bomb Investigation
Before joining the FBI, Bongino had publicly echoed disinformation and conspiracy theories, including false claims about Trump’s 2020 election loss and the 6 January 2021 pipe bomb investigation.
After taking office, Bongino prioritized the investigation into the pipe bombs, which Attorney General Bondi described as having “languished” for years. Earlier this month, a suspect with no known government ties was arrested, nearly six years after the devices were discovered outside the national headquarters of the Republican and Democratic parties.
FBI Director Kash Patel praised Bongino’s work, stating:
“He served as the people’s voice for transparency, and delivered major breakthroughs in long-unsolved cases like the pipe bomb investigation. He not only completed his mission – he far exceeded it.”
Changes in Public Positions
Bongino’s tenure also saw him revising his public statements on high-profile cases. He had previously questioned whether Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide in 2019, suggesting foul play. After reviewing the FBI files, Bongino stated in May:
“I have seen the whole file. He killed himself.”
Later, a memo released by the Justice Department confirmed Epstein died by suicide and did not maintain a “client list,” frustrating some of Trump’s supporters who had promoted conspiracy theories. Reports suggest the memo led to a contentious meeting between Bongino and AG Bondi.
Reactions from US Officials
Attorney General Pam Bondi commented:
“Americans are safer because of Dan Bongino’s service at the FBI.”
Bongino’s departure marks the end of a brief but controversial tenure, during which he sought to bring a media-driven perspective to federal investigations while navigating criticism from career agents and political observers alike.
Background: Dan Bongino’s Career
- New York City Police Officer
- US Secret Service Agent, protecting former President Barack Obama
- Media personality and podcast host, with a large following before joining the FBI
- Trump ally, known for strong conservative commentary
Conclusion
Dan Bongino’s resignation as FBI deputy director highlights the intersection of politics, media, and federal law enforcement. His tenure was marked by efforts to solve high-profile cases, public visibility, and controversial positions on major events, leaving a complex legacy as he returns to the private sector.
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