Dan Bongino, the former podcast host and staunch ally of former President Donald Trump, has announced that he will be leaving his position as the FBI’s deputy director in January. In a social media post on X, Bongino expressed his gratitude, saying, “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.”
Bongino’s departure comes shortly after Trump praised his service, remarking that Bongino “did a great job” and indicated that he “wants to go back to his show.” Appointed to the deputy director role in February, Bongino’s selection had raised eyebrows, as he had no prior experience within the FBI — a post typically reserved for career agents. Previously, Bongino served as a New York City police officer and a US Secret Service agent tasked with protecting former President Barack Obama. Over recent years, he built a significant following as a media personality and political commentator.
His appointment had faced opposition from the FBI Agents Association, which represents approximately 14,000 current and former agents, citing concerns about his lack of experience with the agency. Despite the controversy, Bongino quickly took an active role in prioritizing long-standing investigations, including the highly publicized 6 January 2021 pipe bomb case targeting the national headquarters of both the Republican and Democratic parties. Bongino had previously questioned the investigation, calling it an “inside job,” but upon assuming office, he pushed to make the case a focus for the bureau. This effort culminated earlier this month with the arrest of a man with no known ties to the government, nearly six years after the devices were discovered.
FBI Director Kash Patel praised Bongino’s tenure, noting that 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.” Attorney General Pam Bondi also weighed in, writing on X that “Americans are safer” as a result of Bongino’s service.
Bongino’s time at the FBI also saw him revising some of his earlier public positions. As a commentator, he had questioned the official account of the death of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, suggesting in the past that Epstein’s death in a New York prison in 2019 might not have been self-inflicted. After reviewing the full investigation, Bongino stated in May, “I have seen the whole file. He killed himself.” This stance aligned with a subsequent memo from the US Justice Department and the FBI confirming Epstein’s death was a suicide, a conclusion that disappointed many supporters of Trump who had echoed conspiracy theories about the case.
While Bongino’s tenure was brief and unconventional, it highlighted a mix of political influence, media-savvy leadership, and a focus on high-profile investigations, leaving a notable, if contentious, imprint on the bureau.