Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino announced Wednesday he will step down from his position at the Federal Bureau of Investigation in January, ending a tenure that will have lasted 11 months.
Bongino announced his departure in a post on X, writing that he would be leaving the FBI and thanking President Donald Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and FBI Director Kash Patel “for the opportunity to serve with purpose.” He also thanked “my fellow Americans, for the privilege to serve you.”
Bongino was appointed deputy director in early 2025 by President Trump, shortly after Kash Patel was confirmed as FBI director and Pam Bondi was sworn in as attorney general. His appointment was part of a broader effort by the Trump Administration to reform an FBI that has been politicized and unaccountable.
During his 10 months in office, Bongino’s tenure was marked by media reports of internal disputes and structural changes within FBI leadership. Among the most controversial developments was an unusual co–deputy director arrangement implemented in late summer, which paired Bongino with Andrew Bailey. That arrangement followed internal disagreements, including disputes related to the handling and disclosure of Jeffrey Epstein–related records, an issue that has drawn sustained scrutiny from conservatives demanding greater transparency from federal law enforcement.
President Trump commented on Bongino’s departure, saying that Bongino “did a great job” and suggesting that he may be returning to his media and podcasting career, where he built a large national following prior to joining the administration.
FBI Director Kash Patel also praised Bongino’s service in a response on X, thanking him for his work at the bureau during a period of transition.
Before entering government service, Bongino was a former Secret Service agent, New York City police officer, and nationally known conservative commentator. His appointment was welcomed by many on the right as a signal that the administration intended to challenge entrenched FBI leadership culture and pursue institutional reforms.
Bongino did not announce his next plans.
2 thoughts on “Dan Bongino to step down from FBI in January”
He was broken by the deep state.
He was J.
I remember listening to Dan 2020-2024 and he talked a big game. When game day came he proved to be a scrub and is now benched. I wish Dan well and continued good health. He is an honerable man.
I would have much harsher things to write about Patel. He is not a good or honorable man.