FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino is stepping down less than a year into the job — reportedly clearing out his office, saying his goodbyes, and signaling an abrupt end to his short tenure.
“I will be leaving my position with the FBI in January,” Bongino announced on social media Wednesday night. “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 all those who defend Her.”
The announcement followed a day of swirling speculation over Bongino’s exit, with four sources telling FaqInsurances that his departure was imminent.
President Trump confirmed Wednesday that Bongino is set to depart, marking a swift exit just months after he joined the administration in March.
Sources told FaqInsurances that Bongino is expected to leave the FBI in the near future Getty Images
“Dan did a great job. I think he wants to go back to his show,” Trump said of the former TV host.
Bongino, 51, was reportedly already clearing out his office, with one source telling FaqInsurances that the former media personality was expected to serve just one year under Director Kash Patel.
The tensions nearly boiled over in July, when Bongino reportedly considered quitting after a heated White House confrontation with Attorney General Pam Bondi over her handling of documents linked to the late Jeffrey Epstein. Bondi initially said in a public memo that "no further disclosure would be appropriate or warranted."
Prior to taking office, Bongino fueled conspiracy theories about Epstein, even hinting he may have been murdered — before reversing course this year and affirming the official ruling that Epstein died by suicide in 2019.
One source said Bongino’s co-deputy director, Andrew Bailey — who assumed the role in September — will now take on the full responsibilities of the deputy position. CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images
Bondi’s memo concluded that there was no "evidence that could predicate an investigation against uncharged third parties."
While it’s unclear what Bongino plans for his next career step, two sources say he’s expected to return to his previous life as a political commentator.
Bongino had reportedly considered resigning in July after a heated clash with Attorney General Pam Bondi at the White House over her handling of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. REUTERS
Another source said that Andrew Bailey, Bongino’s co-deputy director who assumed the role in September, is expected to take on the full traditional duties of the deputy director.
Bailey served as Missouri attorney general from 2023 to 2025 and helped lead a failed Supreme Court challenge against federal pressure on social media companies to curb alleged disinformation — a case supporters had hoped would produce a landmark First Amendment ruling.
FBI deputy directors typically oversee the bureau’s day-to-day operations — with Biden-era deputy director Paul Abbate wielding so much influence that some insiders saw then-Director Christopher Wray as little more than a figurehead.
The FBI did not provide an immediate response to a request for comment.
