FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino has announced his upcoming resignation next month, bringing an end to his brief and occasionally turbulent time as the bureau’s second-in-command. Bongino revealed his decision on social media shortly after President Donald Trump suggested that Bongino wished to return to hosting his right-wing podcast, a role he held before joining the FBI.
Traditionally, individuals ascending to the position of FBI Deputy Director have been career agents who have progressed through the ranks. Bongino’s appointment raised objections from the FBI Agents Association, a group representing approximately 14,000 agents, despite FBI Director Kash Patel’s assurances that a career agent would be appointed to the position.
Expressing gratitude to Trump, Patel, and Attorney General Pam Bondi for the opportunity to serve, Bongino acknowledged their support in a social media post. Patel reciprocated the sentiment, praising Bongino as an exceptional partner in the efforts to revitalize the FBI, noting that Bongino had not only fulfilled his duties but had surpassed expectations.
During his time as a podcaster, Bongino propagated various conspiracy theories, some of which became problematic once he assumed a position of authority. These theories included claims regarding the events surrounding the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters and speculations concerning the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
A particular controversy arose when Bongino suggested that the placement of pipe bombs at the Democratic and Republican national committee offices before the Capitol riot was an “inside job” orchestrated by the FBI. Following the arrest of a suspect in the case, Bongino retracted his statement, attributing his controversial remarks to financial incentives in a subsequent Fox News interview.
Questions about Bongino’s tenure at the FBI emerged in July amid concerns related to Epstein. The Justice Department and FBI leadership issued a memo that backtracked on a previous commitment to disclose investigative files on Epstein, dispelling several conspiracy theories championed by Bongino. This memo provoked backlash from supporters of Trump who subscribed to the Epstein conspiracy narratives and dismissed the DOJ’s conclusions regarding Epstein’s demise and the absence of incriminating documents.
