Dan Bongino will leave his leadership post at the FBI in January, ending a brief but high-profile stint as deputy director in President Donald Trump’s law‑enforcement team. His exit follows months of speculation about internal friction and his future in the administration.
In a post on X, Bongino announced on Wednesday night his plans to resign from the FBI in January. He expressed gratitude towards “President Trump, AG Bondi, and Director Patel for the chance to serve with purpose,” and described it as a “privilege to serve” the American public, closing with a heartfelt “God bless America, and all those who defend Her.”
Speculation surrounding Bongino’s departure intensified throughout the day, with various insiders informing the New York Post about his anticipated resignation. President Trump later confirmed Bongino’s upcoming exit, acknowledging that after joining the administration in March, “Dan did a great job. I think he wants to return to his show.”
Short tenure and internal tensions
The New York Post reported that Bongino has already cleared out his office and is expected to conclude his tenure under FBI Director Kash Patel in roughly a year. Sources suggest Bongino might revert to his previous career as a political commentator, although he has yet to officially outline his future plans.
Bongino’s brief period at the FBI was marked by a notable clash in July with Attorney General Pam Bondi at the White House concerning her management of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. Initially, Bondi stated through a memo that “no further disclosure would be appropriate or warranted,” later asserting that there was no “evidence that could predicate an investigation against uncharged third parties.” Before his government role, Bongino supported theories of Epstein’s murder but eventually accepted the official suicide ruling.
Successor and FBI implications
According to another source cited by the Post, co-deputy director Andrew Bailey, appointed in September, will assume the full responsibilities of deputy director. Bailey, a former Missouri attorney general, was involved in leading an unsuccessful Supreme Court challenge over alleged federal pressure on social media companies about “disinformation,” which advocates hoped could lead to a significant First Amendment decision.
The position of FBI deputy director involves managing the bureau’s daily operations, a role that holds considerable sway in numerous administrations. The FBI did not comment on the Post’s inquiries about Bongino’s resignation or the transition in leadership.
