FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino announced his resignation, ending a turbulent tenure marked by internal disputes over the handling of Jeffrey Epstein files and ongoing tensions within the bureau’s leadership in Washington DC.
Bongino posted on social media that he would be leaving his position with the FBI in January. “I want to thank President Trump, AG Bondi, and Director Patel for the opportunity to serve with purpose,” he wrote, expressing gratitude for the chance to serve fellow Americans.
President Donald Trump, who appointed Bongino as FBI Deputy Director in March, responded to the resignation news by praising his performance, referencing Bongino’s previous career as a conservative podcast host.
FBI Director Kash Patel expressed appreciation for his departing deputy. “Dan is the best partner I could’ve asked for in helping restore this FBI,” Patel stated, acknowledging the work accomplished during Bongino’s brief tenure.
Attorney General Pam Bondi also commented on the resignation, saying Americans are safer because of Dan Bongino’s service.
The resignation comes amid broader scrutiny of FBI leadership, particularly regarding Patel’s use of a government plane for personal purposes and social media posts about active investigations. These controversies have added to the upheaval within the bureau during the Trump administration.
Bongino’s tenure was marked by significant clashes with the Justice Department, particularly over the handling of files related to Jeffrey Epstein, the wealthy financier who died by suicide in a New York jail in 2019. The disputes highlighted tensions between the FBI’s investigative processes and political pressures from within the administration.
Before joining the FBI, Bongino was a prominent conservative podcast host who built a large following through his commentary on law enforcement and political issues. His appointment represented a departure from traditional FBI leadership patterns, as neither he nor Patel had any FBI experience before their appointments to the bureau’s top positions.
Bongino’s law enforcement background included service as a New York City police officer and work as a Secret Service agent.
During his time at the FBI, Bongino’s views on certain controversial cases appeared to shift. In discussing the Epstein case after joining the bureau, he acknowledged having reviewed the complete file and stated that Epstein killed himself, addressing previous speculation about the financier’s death.
The deputy director also reflected on the transition from his previous career to law enforcement leadership, describing the adjustment from commentary to investigative work.
Among the cases handled during Bongino’s tenure was the arrest of a 30-year-old Virginia man for pipe bombs on December 4, 2025. The FBI conducted this operation, which connected to incidents from January 6, 2021, demonstrating the bureau’s continued focus on domestic security threats.
Bongino’s resignation, expected to take effect next month, adds to a series of personnel changes within the Trump administration’s law enforcement apparatus. The departure of the FBI’s second-in-command represents one of the highest-profile exits from the administration.
The timing of the resignation, announced on December 17, 2025, comes as the FBI faces continued scrutiny over its operations and leadership decisions. The announcement follows months of speculation about Bongino’s future with the bureau, particularly after reports of disagreements with other Justice Department officials surfaced in July.
Throughout 2022 and into his FBI tenure, Bongino maintained a public profile that combined his law enforcement role with his background in conservative media. This dual identity created unique challenges as he navigated the expectations of both Trump supporters and career law enforcement professionals.
The investigation into various cases, including those from 2019 and events surrounding January 6, 2021, continued under Bongino’s watch. His departure in January will leave Patel to manage ongoing investigations and address the criticisms that have emerged during their joint leadership of the FBI.
As Bongino prepares to leave his position, questions remain about who will succeed him as deputy director and whether Trump will seek another unconventional appointment or turn to someone with traditional FBI credentials. The choice will signal the administration’s approach to FBI leadership moving forward.
Sources:
https://www.fox23.com/news/national/fbi-deputy-director-dan-bongino-says-he-plans-to-resign-next-month-as-bureaus-no/article_34aa1148-1186-58b6-aed2-dfc06db2a48d.html
https://www.newsweek.com/fbi-deputy-director-dan-bongino-plans-to-leave-patel-11229654
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/dan-bongino-says-he-plans-to-resign-as-fbi-deputy-director-in-january-ending-brief-tenure