Dan Bongino to Step Down as FBI Deputy Director After Brief, Controversial Tenure

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino announced on Wednesday that he will step down from his role next month, bringing an end to a short and often controversial tenure as the bureau’s second-highest-ranking official. The announcement came just hours after President Donald Trump publicly suggested that Bongino wanted to return to his previous career in media, saying he believed Bongino wished to “go back to his show.”

Bongino confirmed his departure in a social media post, thanking President Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and FBI Director Kash Patel for the opportunity to serve. Prior to joining the FBI, Bongino was widely known as a prominent right-wing podcaster and political commentator, a background that made his appointment highly unusual. Traditionally, the FBI deputy director role has been filled by long-serving career agents who advanced through the bureau’s ranks.

His appointment faced immediate resistance from the FBI Agents Association, which represents approximately 14,000 current and former agents. The group objected to Bongino’s selection, particularly after earlier assurances from Director Patel that the position would be filled by a career professional. Despite those objections, Bongino assumed the role, marking a significant departure from precedent.

During his time as deputy director, Bongino’s past statements as a podcaster continued to draw scrutiny. He had previously promoted conspiracy theories related to the January 6, 2021 U.S. Capitol attack, including claims that the pipe bombs planted near Democratic and Republican party offices were an FBI “inside job.” After the FBI arrested a suspect in the long-running case, Bongino walked back those claims and stated in a later interview that he had been paid to express provocative opinions.

His position became increasingly tenuous in July, following internal backlash over the handling of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. A joint Justice Department and FBI memo rejected several conspiracy theories, including the existence of a secret Epstein “client list,” and reaffirmed the conclusion that Epstein died by suicide. The memo angered segments of Trump’s political base and contradicted narratives Bongino had previously supported.

According to sources briefed on the matter, Bongino’s office belongings were already packed, though he was reportedly still working at FBI headquarters on Wednesday. His departure underscores ongoing tensions surrounding political appointments, institutional norms, and public trust within federal law enforcement leadership.