Dan Bongino to Step Down as FBI Deputy Director in January
Former New York City police officer and U.S. Secret Service agent Dan Bongino has announced he will leave his role as the FBI’s deputy director in January, ending a tenure that began after he was appointed by President Donald Trump in February.
In a post on X,Bongino thanked President Trump,Attorney General Pam Bondi,and FBI Director Kash Patel for the possibility to serve with purpose. He also extended appreciation to the American people for the privilege of public service.
The development comes as Trump publicly praised Bongino, saying the longtime Trump ally “did a great job” in office and suggested the former podcast host would return to his show.
Collaboration between political figures and federal agencies has long influenced leadership selections. Bongino’s appointment was viewed by critics as unconventional,given his lack of prior FBI experience,a point raised by opponents and the FBI Agents association,which represents roughly 14,000 current and former agents.
In his January departure proclamation, Bongino reiterated his gratitude: “I will be leaving my position with the FBI in January.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.”
Background notes from July referenced in media coverage indicate Bongino’s frustration over the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files lead to a tense meeting with Attorney General Bondi. The episode underscored ongoing tensions surrounding sensitive investigations and transparency at the intersection of politics and law enforcement.
Key Facts
| Subject | Details |
|---|---|
| role | Deputy Director,federal Bureau of Examination |
| Appointment | Appointed by President donald Trump in February |
| Departure | Scheduled for January |
| Background | Former New York City police officer; former U.S. Secret Service agent |
| Support/Opposition | Admired by Trump; opposed by the FBI Agents Association |
| Notable controversy | Reported tension over Epstein files in a meeting with Attorney General Pam Bondi |
Evergreen context
Leadership changes at the upper levels of federal agencies frequently enough reflect broader political dynamics and leadership needs. Figures who come from nontraditional backgrounds can bring fresh perspectives, but their appointments can also become flashpoints in debates over independence, political influence, and transparency in high-stakes investigations.
Reader engagement
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Stay with us for updates as more details emerge about Bongino’s successor and the FBI’s leadership transition.
