Dan Bongino, deputy director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), has announced that he will step down in January 2026, abruptly ending an eight-month tenure that has been marked by internal tensions, political scrutiny and questions about his suitability for one of the bureau’s top posts.
President Donald Trump confirmed Bongino’s impending departure on Wednesday, suggesting the former conservative media personality was eager to return to the airwaves. “Dan did a great job. I think he wants to get back on his show,” Trump said.
FBI Director Kash Patel sent a warm message to his No. 2, writing on X (formerly Twitter): “Dan is the best partner I could have asked to help rebuild the FBI. He brought about major reforms to make the organization more efficient, led the successful Operation Summer Heat, served as the people’s voice for transparency, and brought major breakthroughs in long-unsolved cases. Every day, he brings only a small part of the investigation to America.”
He not only completed his mission – he far exceeded it. We will miss him, but I am grateful that he accepted the call to serve. Our country is better and safer for it.”
Why is Dan Bongino leaving the FBI so soon?
Dan Bongino announced his decision late Wednesday in a social media post, thanking senior Trump administration officials and the public for the opportunity to serve.
“I will be leaving my position with the FBI in January,” Bongino wrote. “I want to thank President Trump, AG Bondi, and Director Patel for the opportunity to serve purposefully. And most importantly, I want to thank you, my fellow Americans, for the privilege of serving you. God bless America and all who defend Her.”
Dan Bongino’s announcement followed a day of speculation in Washington and the media, with multiple reports suggesting his departure was imminent. Several well-placed officials have indicated that Bongino has already begun clearing out his office and saying goodbye to colleagues, fueling expectations that his departure is only a matter of time.
What tensions surrounded Dan Bongin’s tenure?
Bongino’s time at the FBI was punctuated by reports of friction with officials at the Justice Department. In July, he was said to have considered resigning after clashing with Attorney General Pam Bondi over a memo over the handling of documents related to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Bondi’s memo stated that “no further disclosure would be appropriate or warranted” and concluded that there was no “evidence to predicate an investigation against unindicted third parties.” The episode reportedly sparked a heated exchange in the White House and raised questions about Bongino’s position in the administration.
Before entering government, Dan Bongino promoted conspiracy theories related to Jeffery Epstein, including suggestions that Epstein may have been murdered. However, earlier this year he publicly accepted the official finding that Epstein had died by suicide in 2019.
An hour before Bongino announced his departure, the Democratic lawmaker posted a cryptic post on: “As a reminder, the Epstein files are due to be released on Friday and any political developments you see until then should be viewed with that in mind.”
Why was Dan Bongino’s appointment controversial?
Bongino was appointed deputy director of the FBI in February despite having no previous experience working in the bureau. The former police officer and secret service agent later built a distinguished career as a right-wing radio and television host.
His selection by Trump was seen by critics as an overtly political appointment to a role that traditionally requires deep institutional knowledge and operational experience. But supporters argued that his background in law enforcement and public profile put him in a good position to challenge what they saw as an entrenched bureaucracy.
FBI Deputy Directors typically oversee the bureau’s day-to-day operations and often have substantial influence. Under the previous government, then-deputy director Paul Abbate was seen by some insiders as so powerful that former director Christopher Wray was largely viewed as a puppet.
Who will take over Dan Bongino’s responsibilities at the FBI?
According to individuals familiar with the internal discussions, Dan Bongino’s co-deputy director, Andrew Bailey, is expected to assume all of the role’s traditional responsibilities upon his departure, the New York Post reported.
Bailey previously served as Missouri Attorney General from 2023 to 2025 and was involved in a failed Supreme Court challenge to alleged federal pressure on social media companies to censor misinformation. Proponents of the case hoped it would lead to a landmark ruling on First Amendment protections.
What’s next for Dan Bongino?
While Bongino has not publicly outlined his future plans, several sources believe he is likely to return to political commentary and conservative media — a move echoed by Trump’s own remarks.
