FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino Dan Bongino announced Wednesday that he will resign from the bureau in January, bringing an early end to a controversial tenure marked by internal friction and scrutiny over his role in federal law enforcement.

Bongino’s departure follows months of tension inside the FBI and Justice Department, including disputes over the handling of files related to the Jeffrey Epstein files. His exit is expected to be one of the most high-profile resignations of President Donald Trump’s admon so far.

In a statement announcing his decision, Bongino thanked President Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and FBI Director Kash Patel for the opportunity to serve. “I will be leaving my position with the FBI in January,” Bongino said. “I want to thank President Trump, AG Bondi, and Director Patel for the opportunity to serve with purpose.” He also thanked the public, adding, “Most importantly, I want to thank you, my fellow Americans, for the privilege to serve you.”

Bongino’s appointment as the FBI’s second-in-command was unusual. The deputy director role has traditionally been held by a career FBI agent responsible for overseeing the bureau’s daily operations. While Bongino previously worked as a New York City police officer and a US Secret Service agent, he had no prior experience inside the FBI before taking the job.

Before entering government service, Bongino was a prominent conservative media figure and podcast host. In that role, he frequently criticized the FBI and promoted claims related to the Epstein case and the pipe bombs discovered in Washington on January 6, 2021. 

He closed his statement with, “God bless America, and all those who defend Her.”

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