In a move that marks one of the most high-profile departures in the Trump administration so far, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino has announced he will be resigning from the agency and stepping down in January 2026. The announcement, made on social media Wednesday, brings an end to a brief and often contentious tenure as the No. 2 official at the nation’s premier law enforcement agency.
Bongino, a former NYPD officer, U.S. Secret Service agent, and well-known conservative commentator, was appointed deputy director by President Donald Trump earlier this year despite having no prior FBI experience. His unconventional rise from media personality to one of the highest positions in the bureau drew immediate attention.
In his resignation post on X, Bongino expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and thanked President Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and FBI Director Kash Patel for the chance to lead at a critical time. He also extended his thanks to the American public for the “privilege to serve.”
A Tumultuous Tenure
Bongino’s time at the FBI was marked by sharp disagreements and public scrutiny. Internal tensions reportedly flared over issues such as the Department of Justice’s handling of files from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. Bongino also faced criticism for longstanding conspiracy theories he had promoted before joining the bureau — positions that at times appeared to clash with his responsibilities as a senior federal law enforcement official.
President Trump responded to questions about Bongino’s exit by praising his service and suggesting that he likely wants to return to his media career — where he built a large audience before entering government service.
What Comes Next
Bongino’s resignation in January will cap a roughly nine-month stint at the FBI. It also comes amid broader organizational upheaval within the bureau, including leadership changes and debates over its future direction. At this point, it’s unclear who will replace him in the deputy director role, though names have already begun circulating in political and law enforcement circles. New York Post
As Bongino prepares to leave federal service, many observers will be watching to see whether he returns to the airwaves — and how his time at the FBI might influence the ongoing national conversation about law enforcement, politics, and media in the United States.
Bottom Line
Welcome back! The only question is: can you comment on current events being handled by the FBI? Hopefully, Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel will follow.
— Steve
