FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino is set to resign next month, ending a tumultuous tenure marked by clashes with the Justice Department over the Jeffrey Epstein files and the challenge of reconciling his past provocative claims as a podcast host with his law enforcement duties. His departure is a high-profile exit from the Trump administration's FBI, which has faced significant internal upheaval and external criticism.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino has announced his resignation, expected next month, concluding a brief and controversial period at the bureau. His time as Deputy Director was characterized by significant friction with the Justice Department concerning the handling of Jeffrey Epstein's files, and the inherent difficulty in aligning the provocative claims he made as a popular conservative podcast host with the responsibilities of his high-ranking law enforcement position. This resignation represents one of the most prominent departures from the Trump administration, occurring amidst ongoing turmoil within the FBI, fueled by the firing of career agents and persistent criticism directed at Director Kash Patel. Bongino's appointment was unconventional; neither he nor Patel had prior FBI experience, both having been selected with a mandate to reform an FBI they claimed was weaponized against Trump. Before joining the bureau in March, Bongino used his podcast platform to frequently criticize FBI leadership and promote conspiracy theories, including those related to the Epstein sex-trafficking case and the pipe bombs discovered on January 6, 2021. Once in office, he leveraged social media to communicate directly with Trump supporters, reassuring them that the FBI was addressing issues like the pipe bomb case, the 2022 Supreme Court opinion leak, and the discovery of cocaine in the White House. However, he struggled to satisfy elements of Trump's base who expected swift FBI reforms and the uncovering of alleged hidden truths. Notably, he publicly reversed his prior skepticism about Epstein's death, stating after reviewing the files, "He killed himself." He also had to contextualize his past speculations about the Jan. 6 pipe bombs being an "inside job" after a suspect with no government ties was arrested. Questions about Bongino's future had lingered for months, particularly following a tense exchange with Attorney General Pam Bondi over the Epstein investigation records and the subsequent appointment of a co-deputy director. President Trump suggested Bongino would likely return to his show, while Director Patel praised his efforts in "restoring this FBI."
