FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino to Resign in January

The Departure of Dan Bongino from the FBI

Washington—Dan Bongino announced on Wednesday that he is stepping down as deputy director at the FBI, marking the end of a nine-month tenure filled with challenges and controversies. His departure comes after a period of tension with both Justice Department leadership and the bureau’s workforce.

In a social-media post, Bongino expressed gratitude to President Trump for the "opportunity to serve with purpose" and stated he will leave his position in January. Earlier that day, Trump mentioned to reporters that Bongino wished to return to his previous role as a popular conservative podcaster.

Bongino, known for his strong criticism of the FBI, once described the agency as “irredeemably corrupt” and advocated for its overhaul. During his time at the FBI, he and Director Kash Patel oversaw the removal of numerous experienced agents and investigators, redirecting the agency's focus toward Trump's agenda.

Patel acknowledged Bongino's contributions in a social-media post, stating, “He not only completed his mission—he far exceeded it. We will miss him but I’m thankful he accepted the call to serve. Our country is better and safer for it.”

A Unique Background

Bongino, who joined the government in March, became the first deputy director in FBI history without prior experience as a career agent. This distinction sometimes placed him at odds with veteran investigators. His law enforcement background included stints with the New York Police Department and Secret Service before he transitioned into commentary.

His exit seemed likely in August when the White House appointed former Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey as co-deputy director, an unusual arrangement as no one had previously shared the role. This decision followed a tense period where Bongino clashed with Attorney General Pam Bondi over the Justice Department's choice not to release more materials from the FBI’s investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Bondi expressed her support for Bongino in a social-media post, stating, “Americans are safer because” of his service.

Controversies and Challenges

As a podcaster, Bongino amplified conspiracy theories about Epstein. According to The Wall Street Journal, his involvement in the administration's decision to keep the files private harmed his credibility among his base of supporters.

Even before the controversy over the Epstein files, Bongino appeared discontent with his role, expressing the difficulties of managing the operations of the nation’s premier law enforcement agency. On “Fox & Friends” in May, he said, “I gave up everything for this. People ask me all the time, you know, do you like it? I say, no, I don’t.”

However, Bongino took a moment to celebrate earlier this month when the FBI announced the arrest of a man linked to the placement of pipe bombs near the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. As a podcaster, he had claimed the bureau was hiding evidence in the probe, calling it an “inside job.”

Solving the Case

As deputy director, Bongino made solving the case a priority, assembling a new team of investigators and conducting a comprehensive review of the evidence. A tech-savvy law enforcement officer, who had not been part of the original investigation, developed a new computer program that deciphered cellphone data analysts had previously overlooked.

After the arrest, Fox News host Sean Hannity questioned Bongino about his earlier claims of a coverup. Bongino clarified that his role had changed since making those statements.

“I’m paid to be your deputy director, and we base investigations on facts,” he said. “We are pretty comfortable we have our guy.”