In a development that has captivated Washington and conservative media circles, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino is set to leave his position early in 2026, marking the end of a controversial and brief stint at the helm of America’s premier law enforcement agency. President Donald Trump appeared to confirm the news today, telling reporters at Joint Base Andrews: “Dan did a great job. I think he wants to go back to his show,” referring to Bongino’s highly successful conservative podcast, The Dan Bongino Show.
Reports indicate Bongino has informed confidants and colleagues of his intent to depart, has cleared personal items from his office, and does not plan to return to FBI headquarters this month. A potential announcement could come as soon as December 19, though the exact timing remains fluid.
Bongino’s exit caps a tenure defined by internal clashes, unprecedented structural changes, and a shift from his pre-appointment role as a fiery critic of the FBI to a more restrained official voice.
Early Career in Law Enforcement
Born on December 4, 1974, in Queens, New York, Daniel John Bongino grew up in a working-class family. He earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in psychology from the City University of New York, followed by an MBA from Pennsylvania State University.
Bongino’s public service began in the mid-1990s with the New York Police Department (NYPD). Starting as a cadet in 1995, he became a full-time officer in 1997, serving in the 75th Precinct until 1999.
In 1999, he joined the U.S. Secret Service as a special agent, initially assigned to the New York Field Office. His career progressed rapidly: he investigated financial fraud, taught at the Secret Service Training Academy, and in 2006 was selected for the elite Presidential Protective Division. Bongino protected Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, becoming one of the earliest agents to lead an operational section on the presidential detail. He left protective duties in 2010 for criminal investigations in the Baltimore Field Office, departing the Secret Service in 2011.
Bongino unsuccessfully ran for Congress three times as a Republican (Senate in Maryland in 2012, House seats in 2014 and 2016).
Rise in Conservative Media
After leaving government service, Bongino transitioned to media, becoming a prominent conservative commentator. He contributed to Fox News, hosted Unfiltered with Dan Bongino on the network from 2021 to 2023, and built a massive audience through The Dan Bongino Show podcast and radio program, syndicated by Westwood One and streamed on Rumble. At its peak, it ranked among Spotify’s top podcasts, reportedly generating substantial wealth (estimates around $160 million).
Known for staunch support of Donald Trump and criticism of the “deep state,” Bongino frequently promoted conspiracy theories, including doubts about Jeffrey Epstein’s 2019 suicide and suggestions of FBI involvement in various scandals.
Appointment to FBI Deputy Director
In February 2025, shortly after Trump’s second inauguration, the president appointed Bongino as FBI Deputy Director under newly confirmed Director Kash Patel. Trump praised him as “a man of incredible love and passion for our Country” with credentials from the NYPD and Secret Service.
The appointment was historic—and controversial—as Bongino became the first deputy director in modern history without prior FBI agent experience. The role traditionally involves overseeing day-to-day operations, a position usually held by career agents. Bongino stepped away from his media career to assume the post.
Early in his tenure, Bongino and Patel prioritized reopening investigations into high-profile cases, including the 2021 January 6 pipe bombs, the 2022 Supreme Court Dobbs draft leak, and the 2023 White House cocaine discovery. They also touted operations rescuing children from predators.
Turbulent Tenure and Key Controversies
Bongino’s time at the FBI was marked by challenges. In May 2025, he appeared emotional on Fox News, discussing personal sacrifices and family strain from the job.
The most significant flashpoint came in July 2025 over the handling of Jeffrey Epstein files. As a podcaster, Bongino had fueled speculation about a “client list” and cover-ups. However, a Justice Department-FBI review concluded no such list existed and reaffirmed Epstein’s death as suicide.
Attorney General Pam Bondi faced backlash for earlier implications of major revelations. Bongino, frustrated with the rollout and perceived overhype, clashed heatedly with Bondi in a White House meeting. Reports described him as enraged, accusing the DOJ of mishandling; he briefly threatened resignation and skipped work. Trump publicly supported Bongino at the time.
In August 2025, in an unprecedented move, Trump appointed Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey as co-deputy director to share duties, fueling speculation about diminished confidence in Bongino.
Internal criticism mounted, with reports of agent dissatisfaction and a leaked document portraying the bureau as “adrift” under Patel and Bongino. Bongino defended reforms, highlighting gains in accountability and operations.
Publicly, Bongino tempered his rhetoric, emphasizing fact-based investigations over past opinions.
Departure and Legacy
As of December 17, 2025, multiple sources across outlets confirm Bongino’s voluntary exit to resume media work. Trump’s remarks suggest an amicable parting.
Bongino’s brief tenure—less than a year—highlights the Trump administration’s unconventional approach to law enforcement leadership, prioritizing loyalists over traditional career paths. It also underscores tensions between promised transparency on controversial cases and institutional realities.
Whether Bongino returns to his podcast full-time remains to be seen, but his departure closes a unique chapter bridging conservative media and federal law enforcement.