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FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said Wednesday that he plans to leave the bureau at the end of the year, confirming months of speculation about his future at the agency.
“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,” Bongino wrote in a post on X.
“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,” he added.
Bongino did not provide details about his next steps or future plans. His announcement comes amid rumors of internal tensions, including speculation about disagreements with Attorney General Pam Bondi over the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, though Bongino did not address those reports.
A former Secret Service agent and New York police officer, Bongino rose to national prominence as a conservative media figure. He later became one of the most successful podcasters in the country before joining the Trump administration earlier this year.
During his time in government, Bongino was a vocal proponent of reforms within the intelligence and law enforcement communities, arguing for greater accountability and transparency.
Earlier, President Donald Trump suggested that FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino was considering a return to media work, amid reports that the former podcaster planned to leave his post.
“Dan did a great job. I think he wants to go back to his show,” President Trump told reporters.
Bongino, a former New York City police officer and U.S. Secret Service agent, was an unconventional choice for the FBI’s No. 2 position, which has traditionally been held by career agents who rose through the bureau’s ranks.
Before joining the FBI, Bongino hosted “The Dan Bongino Show,” a nationally syndicated conservative radio program and top-ranked podcast known for its sharp criticism of Democrats, the media, and federal law enforcement. The show, distributed by Westwood One and downloaded millions of times each month, ended earlier this year when Bongino accepted the deputy director role.
