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FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino announced Wednesday he will resign from his position next month, ending a controversial tenure marked by tensions with the Justice Department and challenges reconciling his previous media persona with his official role in law enforcement.
Bongino revealed his departure in a social media post on X, expressing gratitude for the “opportunity to serve with purpose.” While he didn’t specify an exact departure date or future plans, President Donald Trump indicated Bongino might return to his media career, stating, “Dan did a great job. I think he wants to go back to his show.”
The resignation represents one of the Trump administration’s highest-profile departures amid ongoing turmoil at the FBI, where career agents have reportedly been dismissed. The bureau faces additional scrutiny as Director Kash Patel confronts criticism over his personal use of government aircraft and social media comments about active investigations.
FBI Director Patel praised Bongino as “the best partner I could’ve asked for in helping restore this FBI,” adding that Bongino “had not only completed his mission — he far exceeded it.”
Bongino’s appointment to the FBI’s second-highest position broke with tradition, as the deputy director role typically oversees day-to-day operations and has historically been filled by career agents. Neither Bongino nor Patel had FBI experience before their appointments, though Bongino previously served as a New York City police officer and Secret Service agent. Both officials entered their roles pledging to reform an agency they claimed had been weaponized against Trump.
Before joining the FBI in March, Bongino built a following as a conservative podcast host who frequently criticized FBI leadership and promoted various conspiracy theories, including those related to Jeffrey Epstein’s death and pipe bombs discovered in Washington on January 6, 2021.
Once installed as deputy director, Bongino utilized social media to communicate directly with Trump supporters, assuring them the FBI was giving renewed attention to several high-profile cases, including the pipe bomb incident, the leak of a draft Supreme Court opinion in 2022, and the discovery of cocaine in the White House during the Biden administration.
However, Bongino struggled to satisfy elements of Trump’s base who expected rapid FBI reforms and revelations of alleged government cover-ups. In a notable reversal from his previous statements, Bongino acknowledged after viewing the Epstein case file that the financier had indeed died by suicide, contradicting his earlier challenges to the official ruling.
Similarly, Bongino faced scrutiny when the FBI arrested a 30-year-old Virginia man in connection with the January 6 pipe bombs—a case where he had previously suggested a government insider was responsible. When confronted with his past comments, Bongino told Fox News, “I was paid in the past, Sean, for my opinions, that’s clear. And one day, I’ll be back in that space but that’s not what I’m paid for now.”
Questions about Bongino’s future intensified following a reported confrontation with Attorney General Pam Bondi last July over the FBI and Justice Department’s decision not to release additional Epstein investigation records. After this encounter, Bongino temporarily disappeared from social media, prompting speculation about his possible resignation.
In an unusual move that suggested potential internal concerns, the Trump administration appointed former Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey as co-deputy director in August.
Attorney General Bondi joined the chorus of officials praising Bongino on Wednesday, stating on social media that Americans were safer because of his service.
Bongino’s departure comes at a critical moment for the FBI, which continues to face skepticism from portions of the public and pressure from the Trump administration to realign its priorities and approaches to high-profile investigations.
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10 Comments
The resignation of the FBI’s Deputy Director is a notable event, especially given the turbulence the bureau has faced in recent years. Bongino’s departure raises questions about the stability and leadership at the top of the organization. It will be interesting to see who is selected as his replacement and what direction they take the FBI.
This news about Bongino’s planned resignation from the FBI is intriguing. His background as a media personality and his role in the Trump administration’s efforts to ‘restore’ the bureau make his departure particularly noteworthy. I wonder what led to this decision and what it might mean for the future of the FBI.
Bongino’s planned resignation from the FBI is sure to be closely watched, given his high-profile role and the agency’s recent history. The reasons behind his departure, and where he might go next, will likely be the subject of much speculation and analysis. This is a development worth keeping an eye on.
The FBI has seen a lot of high-profile changes and controversy during the Trump administration. Bongino’s resignation adds to the sense of uncertainty and turmoil within the agency. It will be important to see how this plays out and who is chosen to replace him.
The resignation of the FBI’s Deputy Director is certainly a significant event. Bongino’s departure comes at a time of ongoing challenges and scrutiny for the bureau. It will be important to follow how this plays out and what it means for the leadership and direction of the FBI going forward.
Bongino’s planned departure from the FBI is an interesting development, given the challenges and scrutiny the bureau has faced in recent years. His background as a media personality and his role in the Trump administration’s efforts to ‘restore’ the FBI make this resignation particularly noteworthy. It will be worth watching how this plays out and what it means for the future leadership and direction of the agency.
With the FBI facing ongoing challenges and criticism, Bongino’s exit as the No. 2 official is significant. His reported desire to return to media suggests he may have struggled to reconcile his previous persona with the reality of his official role. This could be a pivotal moment for the agency.
Bongino’s resignation is sure to be closely watched, given his past as a media personality and his role in the Trump administration’s efforts to ‘restore’ the FBI. His departure could signal further changes are ahead for the bureau.
The resignation of the FBI’s No. 2 official is a noteworthy event, especially given the bureau’s recent turmoil and the Trump administration’s efforts to ‘restore’ it. Bongino’s reported desire to return to media suggests he may have struggled to reconcile his past persona with his official duties. This could be a significant moment for the FBI.
This is an interesting development at the FBI. Bongino’s departure as the No. 2 official will likely have an impact on the bureau’s direction, especially given the ongoing challenges and scrutiny it faces. I wonder what his next move will be – back to media or something else?