WASHINGTON – Dan Bongino, the former Secret Service agent and conservative media firebrand who became the FBI’s second-in-command earlier this year, announced on Wednesday that he will step down from his post in January. The move follows months of internal friction, public controversy, and a reported fallout with other high-ranking officials in the Trump administration.
Bongino confirmed his departure in a social media post on X (formerly Twitter), expressing gratitude to President Donald Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and FBI Director Kash Patel for the “opportunity to serve with purpose.” He added, “Most importantly, I want to thank you, my fellow Americans, for the privilege to serve you. God bless America.”
A Brief and Chaotic Term
Bongino’s appointment in early 2025 was unprecedented, as he was the first deputy director in the FBI’s modern history to serve without any prior experience as an agent. Alongside Director Kash Patel, Bongino was tasked with a “drain the swamp” mandate to reform the Bureau. During his tenure, he helped oversee the removal of hundreds of career personnel and reopened high-profile cases, including the 2021 D.C. pipe bomb investigation.
However, his time at the Bureau was frequently marked by clashes. Reports surfaced over the summer regarding a significant rift between Bongino and Attorney General Pam Bondi. The conflict reportedly centered on the release of files related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation—a key campaign promise of President Trump. Sources suggested Bongino was “furious” over the Department of Justice’s handling of the files, leading to speculation that he had been weighing a resignation for months.
Reconciling Facts and Opinions
Bongino also faced the difficult task of pivoting from a professional “opinion maker” to a top law enforcement official. Earlier this month, after the FBI arrested a suspect in the pipe bomb case, Bongino was pressed on his previous podcast claims that the incident was an “inside job.”
“I was paid in the past for my opinions,” Bongino told Fox News. “One day I will be back in that space, but that’s not what I’m paid for now. I’m paid to be your deputy director, and we base investigations on facts.”
President Trump appeared to confirm Bongino’s next move on Wednesday, telling reporters that the deputy director “did a great job” but that he believes Bongino “wants to go back to his show.” With his exit scheduled for mid-January, Bongino is expected to return to his media empire, where his podcasting and broadcasting platforms reportedly contributed to a net worth of over $160 million.
Sources
- FBI’s No. 2 confirms he’s moving on – MSNBC
- Dan Bongino to Step Down From FBI – GV Wire
- Dan Bongino to Leave Top FBI Post – People.com
- FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino says he plans to resign next month – KSAT
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