FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino speaks during a news conference on an arrest of a suspect in the January 6th pipe bomb case at the Department of Justice on Dec. 4, 2025.
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Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
FBI deputy director Dan Bongino announced his resignation from the bureau, effective January.
In a statement released on X, Bongino expressed gratitude to President Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and FBI Director Kash Patel for the opportunity to serve.
Bongino’s appointment as the FBI’s No. 2 official was unconventional, as he and his boss, Patel, lacked prior FBI experience.
Prior to joining the FBI, Bongino served as a police officer and Secret Service agent, and was known for his vocal support of President Trump.
Bongino gained fame as a pro-Trump podcaster who promoted conspiracy theories, including those about the FBI. He criticized the bureau, alleging bias against conservatives and referring to its agents as “thugs.”
During his tenure, Bongino clashed with Justice Department officials over the handling of Jeffrey Epstein files and was involved in the arrest of a suspect in the pipe bomb case from January 6, 2021.
An unusual arrangement saw Bongino sharing the deputy director role with Andrew Bailey, a former Missouri attorney general, since the summer.
President Trump commended Bongino’s work before his resignation, stating, “Dan did a great job. I think he wants to return to his show.”

