FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino announced he is leaving the bureau after less than a year in the role. Bongino made the announcement on social media after President Donald Trump made a comment saying Bongino “wants to go back to his show.”
Trump installed Bongino to the FBI’s second-highest position in March. During his time as deputy director, Bongino publicly disagreed with how the Department of Justice handled the Jeffrey Epstein files. Bongino will leave the role in January.
Download the SAN app today to stay up-to-date with Unbiased. Straight Facts™.
Point phone camera here
In his post, Bongino thanked Trump and others in the administration for the opportunity but offered no reason as to why he was leaving.
“I want to thank President Trump, AG Bondi, and Director Patel for the opportunity to serve with purpose,” he wrote. “Most importantly, I want to thank you, my fellow Americans, for the privilege to serve you.”
I will be leaving my position with the FBI in January.
— Dan Bongino (@FBIDDBongino) December 17, 2025
I want to thank President Trump, AG Bondi, and Director 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…
What did Bongino do before the FBI?
Before his time at the FBI, Bongino had been the host of the conservative radio show The Bongino Report. He had previously been a guest on Fox News and eventually the company announced Bongino would host his own show called “Unfiltered with Dan Bongino.”
Before his media career, Bongino had worked as a police officer in New York City for four years before joining the United States Secret Service in 1999 as a special agent. This was the extent of his law enforcement experience before becoming the deputy director of the FBI.
Bongino was part of the Secret Service’s Presidential Protection Division, protecting former Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. However, he had received some criticism after he alleged he had access to “high-level discussions” from his time under Obama while he was campaigning for political office.
Who will replace Bongino?
Some had expected Bongino’s exit after he butted heads with fellow Trump officials over their handling of the Epstein files. Before Bongino made the announcement, Trump commended him, saying Bongino “did a great job.”
The White House has not offered any suggestion on who may replace him. Typically, the deputy director of the FBI oversees the bureau’s day-to-day operations and historically is a career agent.
