FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino has declared his intention to resign from the bureau next month, bringing an end to a short but highly contentious period as the agency's second-in-command. His tenure was characterised by public disagreements with the Justice Department and ongoing scrutiny over conspiracy theories he previously promoted, notably concerning the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
A Tumultuous Tenure Marked by Conflict
Bongino made his departure public through a post on the social media platform X on Wednesday. He expressed gratitude for the "opportunity to serve with purpose" but did not specify an exact January date for his exit or outline his future plans. His resignation ranks among the most significant high-level departures within the Trump administration, occurring against a backdrop of upheaval at the FBI following the dismissal of several career agents.
President Donald Trump, commenting on Bongino's impending exit, praised his performance, stating, "Dan did a great job. I think he wants to go back to his show." FBI Director Kash Patel also lauded Bongino on social media, calling him "the best partner I could’ve asked for" in efforts to reform the bureau and claiming he "far exceeded" his mission.
From Podcast Host to FBI's No. 2: An Unconventional Appointment
Dan Bongino's appointment to the role of Deputy Director in March was historically unconventional. Traditionally held by a career FBI agent overseeing daily operations, Bongino entered the role with a background as a New York City police officer and Secret Service agent, but no prior experience within the FBI itself. Both he and Director Patel were selected by Trump with a mandate to overhaul an institution they accused of being weaponised against the former president.
Prior to his appointment, Bongino was a prominent conservative podcast host. In that role, he frequently criticised FBI leadership and amplified conspiracy theories related to the Jeffrey Epstein sex-trafficking case and the pipe bombs discovered in Washington on January 6, 2021. Once in office, he used social media to communicate directly with Trump's base, assuring them of renewed focus on cases like the pipe bombs, the 2022 Supreme Court draft opinion leak, and the discovery of cocaine in the White House.
Clash Between Past Claims and Official Duties
Bongino's tenure was defined by the tension between his past provocative statements and the realities of his law enforcement position. He had previously challenged the official conclusion that Epstein died by suicide, but after reviewing the files at the FBI, he stated in a Fox News interview, "I’ve seen the whole file. He killed himself."
Similarly, he had speculated that the January 6 pipe bombs were an "inside job" or the work of a "connected anti-Trump insider," alleging a "massive cover-up." These comments resurfaced when the FBI recently arrested a suspect with no apparent government ties, leading to public skepticism. Addressing this, Bongino told Sean Hannity, "I was paid in the past for my opinions... I’m paid to be your deputy director, and we base investigations on facts."
Questions about his future intensified after a tense July exchange with Attorney General Pam Bondi following the FBI and Justice Department's decision not to release more Epstein records. After this incident, Bongino went silent on his official FBI social media account for several days, and reports emerged that he was contemplating resignation. In August, the administration appointed a co-deputy director, former Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey.
Bondi later joined the tributes, posting on X that Americans were safer due to Bongino's service. His departure concludes a chapter that highlighted the deep political divisions surrounding the FBI and the challenges of integrating a partisan media figure into the apex of federal law enforcement.
