FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino announced his resignation, ending a controversial tenure marked by clashes with the Justice Department over the Jeffrey Epstein case and the challenge of aligning his law enforcement role with his past as a provocative podcast host. His departure is a high-profile exit from the Trump administration's FBI, which has faced significant upheaval.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirmed his resignation, effective next month, concluding a brief and often contentious period at the bureau. His tenure was characterized by public disagreements with the Justice Department regarding the handling of Jeffrey Epstein's files and the difficult task of reconciling his official duties with the provocative claims he made as a conservative podcast host. This resignation is a significant departure within the Trump administration, occurring amidst ongoing turmoil at the FBI, including the firing of career agents and criticism directed at Director Kash Patel. Bongino announced his exit on X, expressing gratitude for the "opportunity to serve." While he didn't detail his future plans, President Trump hinted that Bongino might "go back to his show." FBI Director Kash Patel praised Bongino for his role in "restoring this FBI," stating he "far exceeded" his mission. Bongino, along with Director Patel, was an unconventional choice for his role, lacking prior FBI experience. Both were appointed by Trump with a mandate to reform an FBI they believed had been weaponized against the former president. Before his appointment in March, Bongino used his podcast platform to criticize FBI leadership and promote conspiracy theories concerning the Epstein sex-trafficking case and the Jan. 6 pipe bombs. Once in office, he leveraged social media to directly engage Trump supporters, assuring them that issues like the pipe bomb case, the 2022 Supreme Court leak, and the White House cocaine discovery were receiving attention. However, he struggled to satisfy elements of Trump's base who expected swift reforms and the uncovering of hidden truths. Notably, he reversed his previous stance on Epstein's death, stating after reviewing files that "He killed himself," contradicting his earlier conspiracy theories. He also faced scrutiny over his past claims about the Jan. 6 pipe bombs being an "inside job" after a suspect with no government ties was arrested. Bongino clarified in an interview that he was "paid for my opinions" in the past but now bases investigations on facts. Questions about Bongino's future had persisted for months, particularly after a tense interaction with Attorney General Pam Bondi in July following a decision not to release more Epstein records. In August, the administration appointed a co-deputy director, Andrew Bailey, further fueling speculation. Bondi also offered a tribute to Bongino, thanking him for his service.
