Deputy FBI Director to Make Decision on Future in Coming Weeks, Sources Say

Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino is expected to make a decision about his future at the bureau within the next few weeks, according to two sources familiar with his considerations. While recent reports suggested Bongino’s office at the FBI stands empty, these sources deny such claims but acknowledge his departure remains a possibility in the near future.

A separate source told Fox News Digital that Bongino has not yet made any concrete decisions about his professional plans.

Bongino’s tenure at the FBI has come under scrutiny recently, alongside FBI Director Kash Patel. Both officials have faced mounting criticism following a damning report from an alliance of active-duty and retired FBI personnel that characterized the bureau as directionless under their leadership.

The internal 115-page assessment, written in the style of an FBI intelligence product, compiled reports from 24 FBI sources who shared their experiences within the agency. According to New York Post columnist and Fox News contributor Miranda Devine, the report described Patel as “in over his head” and Bongino as “something of a clown.”

Both Bongino and Patel have pushed back forcefully against these characterizations, defending their implementation of sweeping reforms they claim have significantly improved accountability and public safety at the bureau.

“When the director and I moved forward with these reforms, we expected some noise from the small circle of disgruntled former agents still loyal to the old Comey–Wray model,” Bongino stated in response to the criticism. “That was never our audience. Our responsibility is to the American people. And under the new leadership team, the bureau is delivering results this country hasn’t seen in decades — tighter accountability, tougher performance standards, billions saved and a mission-first culture. That’s how you restore trust.”

The report reflects deep institutional tensions within one of America’s premier law enforcement agencies. Multiple sources within the FBI described Patel as inexperienced, with one stating he “has neither the breadth of experience nor the bearing an FBI director needs to be successful.” Patel has countered such claims, telling Fox News Digital that the FBI is “operating exactly as the country expects.”

Bongino, who was appointed deputy director earlier this year, has maintained a high public profile during his tenure. In recent months, he announced significant operational successes, including the apprehension of 449 child predators and the rescue of 224 children during his first three months as deputy director.

The leadership controversy comes at a sensitive time for the bureau, which has been working to restore public confidence following criticism from both sides of the political spectrum in recent years. The FBI has faced accusations of politicization under previous administrations, and the current leadership team of Patel and Bongino was installed with a mandate to reform the organization.

Law enforcement experts note that leadership transitions at major federal agencies often face internal resistance, particularly when implementing significant structural or operational changes. The current tensions reflect the challenges of reforming deeply entrenched institutional cultures.

Neither the FBI nor representatives for Bongino have provided official comments on the timing or nature of his potential departure. Sources indicate that any announcement about his future plans will likely come directly from Bongino himself in the coming weeks.

The potential leadership shake-up comes as the FBI continues to address high-profile cases and national security priorities, raising questions about continuity of operations should Bongino choose to depart. Career FBI officials are expected to maintain operational stability regardless of any changes in the top leadership positions.