Bongino Announces Departure Late Wednesday As Trump Signals Return To Media
Wednesday, December 17, 2025, 7:15 P.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Jennifer Hodges, Political Editor: Englebrook Independent News,
WASHINGTON, DC.- FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino announced late Wednesday afternoon that he will step down from his position at the Federal Bureau of Investigation in January 2026, bringing an end to a brief but closely scrutinized tenure as the bureau’s second-in-command.
Bongino confirmed his departure in a public statement posted to X, writing:
“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.”
The announcement came hours after President Donald Trump appeared to acknowledge Bongino’s impending exit while speaking with reporters, stating:
“Dan did a great job. I think he wants to go back to his show.”
Bongino, a former U.S. Secret Service agent and well-known conservative media figure prior to entering government service, was an unconventional selection for the FBI’s deputy director role, a position historically occupied by senior career officials within the bureau. His appointment and subsequent tenure generated significant debate both within and outside federal law enforcement circles.
Throughout his time at the FBI, Bongino’s leadership coincided with heightened public scrutiny of the bureau, including internal tensions surrounding politically sensitive investigations and disputes over transparency, most notably involving the handling of Jeffrey Epstein–related records. Multiple reports have documented friction between Justice Department leadership, FBI officials, and public expectations regarding disclosure and accountability.
As of publication, Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel have not issued separate public statements regarding Bongino’s departure beyond the acknowledgment contained in Bongino’s own announcement. The FBI has declined to comment further in contemporaneous reporting.
What Comes Next;
Bongino’s statement did not specify an exact final day, stating only that his departure will occur sometime in January. Recent reporting has noted that the FBI has operated under a co-deputy director structure in recent months, leaving questions about leadership continuity and future organizational direction as the bureau remains under intense public and political scrutiny.
Editor’s Note:
This breaking report is based on Dan Bongino’s public statement posted on December 17, 2025, along with contemporaneous reporting from major national news organizations, including Reuters, the Associated Press, and CBS News. All information has been independently reviewed and verified for accuracy at the time of publication. By Jennifer Hodges, Political Editor: Englebrook Independent News.
