Dan Bongino announced his resignation as Deputy FBI Director on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, ending a brief and controversial tenure marked by internal conflicts and operational challenges in Washington DC. The 51-year-old will step down from his position in January 2026, marking one of the highest-profile departures from the Trump administration.
President Donald Trump indicated earlier in the day that Bongino wants to return to his show, referencing the conservative podcast host’s former broadcasting career. “Dan did a great job. I think he wants to go back to his show,” Trump told reporters.
In his resignation announcement, Bongino thanked Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and FBI Director Kash Patel. “I want to thank President Trump, AG Bondi, and Director Patel for the opportunity to serve with purpose,” he stated in his post.
FBI Director Kash Patel responded by calling Bongino “the best partner I could’ve asked for” in helping restore the FBI. Patel praised his deputy’s work, stating that Bongino had far exceeded his mission.
The departure follows months of tension within the bureau. Bongino clashed with the Department of Justice over the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, leading to a heated argument with Attorney General Bondi. Sources indicate the confrontation was serious enough that Bongino considered resigning as early as July 2025.
The FBI and DOJ released a memo regarding the Epstein files in July 2025, which sparked the internal dispute. The controversy highlighted the challenges Bongino faced in transitioning from his role as a provocative media personality to a senior law enforcement official.
Bongino’s appointment was unconventional from the start. He came to the position in February 2025 after careers as a former NYPD officer and former Secret Service agent, followed by years as a conservative podcast host. Neither Bongino nor Patel had FBI experience before assuming their leadership roles at the bureau.
The deputy director position historically oversees day-to-day operations and is typically held by career agents. Bongino’s lack of an FBI background made his selection notable, though his law enforcement credentials included experience in both local and federal agencies.
During his tenure, Bongino worked on high-profile cases including the investigation into pipe bombs discovered on January 6, 2021. An arrest was made in the pipe bomb case on December 4, 2025, when authorities charged Brian Cole Jr. in connection with the devices found in Washington.
The job placement took a personal toll as well. Sources close to Bongino indicated the position placed significant strain on his marriage to Paula Bongino. The demanding nature of the deputy director role, combined with the controversies and high-profile disputes, created pressures that extended beyond his professional life.
By August 2025, the White House had brought in Andrew Bailey as co-deputy director of the FBI, effectively sharing responsibilities with Bongino. Bailey’s addition came after months of internal turbulence and suggested adjustments to the bureau’s leadership structure.
In the weeks leading up to his announcement, Bongino began packing his office belongings, signaling his intention to leave the position. The preparation for departure had been underway before the official announcement.
Bongino’s tenure reflects broader challenges facing the Trump administration’s approach to federal law enforcement. His appointment in February 2025 was part of a broader effort to reshape the FBI’s leadership with officials aligned with the president’s vision for the bureau.
The resignation comes as FBI leadership continues navigating criticism over various operational and administrative matters. The bureau has faced scrutiny over multiple fronts during the current administration, with leadership changes adding to institutional uncertainty.
Bongino’s planned return to Florida suggests he will likely resume his career in conservative broadcasting, where he built a substantial following before entering government service. His podcast platform gave him a significant voice in right-wing media circles and established him as a prominent Trump supporter.
The timing of the departure, set for January 2026, allows for a transition period as the administration enters its second year. The search for Bongino’s replacement will be closely watched, particularly given the scrutiny his appointment received and the challenges that marked his brief time in the position.
As deputy director, Bongino occupied one of the most senior positions in American law enforcement. His resignation removes a controversial figure from the FBI’s leadership structure while raising questions about the future direction of the bureau under continued Trump administration oversight.
