FBI Veteran Christopher Raia Named Co-Deputy Director, Replacing Bongino

The FBI has confirmed that Christopher Raia, who currently leads the bureau’s New York City field office, has been appointed as co-deputy director of the federal law enforcement agency. The announcement comes following Dan Bongino’s departure from the position earlier this month.

Raia will begin his new role at FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C., on Monday, serving alongside Andrew Bailey as co-deputy director. The appointment marks a significant leadership transition within one of America’s most prominent law enforcement agencies.

The change follows the January 3rd departure of Bongino, who held the position for less than a year after being nominated by President Donald Trump. Bongino, a former conservative commentator and podcaster, announced his decision to return to “civilian life” last month.

“It’s been an incredible year thanks to the leadership and decisiveness of President Trump,” Bongino wrote on social media. “It was the honor of a lifetime to work with Director [Kash] Patel, and to serve you, the American people. See you on the other side.”

Bongino’s relatively brief tenure was not without controversy. Sources indicated he had previously clashed with Attorney General Pam Bondi over the handling of the Epstein files release, with reports suggesting he had considered resigning over the Justice Department’s approach to the situation. While Bongino did not specify the reason for his departure, President Trump remarked last month that the 51-year-old “wants to go back to his show.”

Raia brings significant federal law enforcement experience to the role, contrasting with his predecessor’s media background. As head of the FBI’s New York office, he has overseen operations in one of the bureau’s most high-profile and complex field divisions. The New York field office handles a broad range of cases including terrorism investigations, organized crime, financial crimes, and counterintelligence operations within the nation’s largest city.

The appointment continues the Trump administration’s restructuring of FBI leadership. When Bongino was initially appointed, the administration also created a co-deputy director structure, with Bailey serving in that capacity alongside Bongino. This unusual leadership arrangement will continue with Raia stepping into Bongino’s former role.

The leadership changes come during a period of transformation at the FBI under Director Kash Patel, who was appointed by President Trump following his 2024 election victory. Patel, a longtime Trump ally, has been tasked with implementing the president’s vision for the bureau.

The FBI has been under intense scrutiny from Republican lawmakers in recent years, with Trump himself frequently criticizing the agency during his first term and 2024 campaign. The appointment of career FBI officials like Raia to senior positions may signal an effort to balance political appointees with experienced bureau veterans.

Law enforcement experts note that such leadership transitions are critical for an agency that oversees numerous sensitive investigations and national security matters. The FBI’s deputy directors traditionally play key roles in day-to-day operations, serving as vital links between the director’s office and the thousands of agents working across the country and around the world.

Raia will formally assume his new responsibilities at FBI headquarters beginning Monday.