FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino is stepping down in January

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino on Wednesday said he will leave that post in January.

Bongino, a former police officer, Secret Service agent, and conservative radio and podcast host who trafficked in conspiracy theories, was a controversial pick by President Donald Trump for the No. 2 slot at the FBI.

Bongino, who will leave after less than a year on the job, is one of the first major figures of Trump’s second term to step down.

“I want to thank President Trump, AG Bondi, and Director [Kash] Patel for the opportunity to serve with purpose,” Bongino wrote in a social media post.

“Most importantly, I want to thank you, my fellow Americans, for the privilege to serve you. God bless America, and all those who defend Her,” Bongino said.

Earlier Wednesday, Trump confirmed Bongino could be leaving.

“Dan did a great job,” Trump told reporters. “I think he wants to go back to his show.”

MS Now reported earlier in the day about Bongino’s plans to leave.

The outlet said he had told confidants that he would not be returning to FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C., to work this month.

“Print whatever you’d like,” Bongino told MS Now when contacted for comment. “No one believes you anyway. Thanks.”

The FBI declined to comment when contacted by CNBC.

Patel, in a post on X, said “Dan is the best partner I could’ve asked for in helping restore this FBI.”

“He not only completed his mission — he far exceeded it,” Patel wrote. “We will miss him but I’m thankful he accepted the call to serve. Our country is better and safer for it.”

Bongino had no prior FBI when Trump tapped him for the high-profile law enforcement post.

His prior discussion of conspiracy theories on right-wing media resurfaced after he joined the government.

While a private citizen, Bongino reportedly suggested that the planting of pipe bombs in Washington on the eve of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot was an “inside job.”

Article source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/12/17/fbi-dan-bongino-steps-down-epstein-jan-6.html