FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino officially confirmed on Wednesday he will depart his position in January. In a statement, Bongino expressed gratitude to President Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and FBI Director Kash Patel for the opportunity to serve with purpose.
“I want to thank you, my fellow Americans, for the privilege to serve you,” Bongino added. “God bless America, and all those who defend Her.”
President Donald Trump referenced Bongino’s departure earlier in the day at Joint Base Andrews, stating, “Dan did a great job. I think he wants to go back to his show.”
Bongino, a former Secret Service agent with no prior FBI experience, assumed the No. 2 role after President Trump appointed him. The position has traditionally been held by individuals with bureau experience for over a century and does not require Senate confirmation.
Sources indicate Bongino considered resigning in July following an FBI and Justice Department memo concluding their “exhaustive” review of Jeffrey Epstein’s files, finding no further charges could be pursued and no additional information would be released. Reports described heated disagreements between Bongino and Attorney General Bondi after the memo’s release, which drew criticism from some Trump supporters.
Bongino did not return to work for at least one day following the dispute but ultimately remained on duty. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche later dismissed allegations of internal conflict over the memo, stating all officials signed off on its contents and conclusions.