A senior Trump administration official is preparing to step down, marking the end of a short but highly scrutinized tenure at one of the federal government’s most powerful agencies. President Donald Trump confirmed Wednesday that FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino will soon leave his position, calling the move voluntary and amicable.
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Speaking to reporters, Trump praised Bongino’s service and suggested the departure reflects a desire to return to media work. “Dan did a great job. I think he wants to go back to his show,” Trump said. Sources familiar with the matter say Bongino is expected to exit in the coming weeks, possibly early next year, noting that his role was never viewed internally as a long-term appointment.
Bongino, 51, was appointed earlier this year under FBI Director Kash Patel, becoming one of the most unconventional figures ever to serve as deputy director. Unlike predecessors who rose through decades of FBI service, Bongino entered the role after building a large following as a conservative commentator, former NYPD officer, and U.S. Secret Service agent.
His transition from outspoken FBI critic to senior bureau official was marked by tension. Bongino reportedly clashed with Attorney General Pam Bondi over decisions related to the Jeffrey Epstein files and publicly revised some of his earlier positions after reviewing internal FBI evidence, including acknowledging that Epstein died by suicide and emphasizing evidence-based conclusions in other high-profile investigations.
Sources say Bongino also became frustrated with the demands of the job and its impact on his personal life, with operational responsibilities increasingly shifting to co-deputy director Andrew Bailey, who is expected to assume full control of the role. Trump stressed there was no rift behind the decision, while Bongino’s departure appears to clear the way for a return to the media world where he built his national profile.[/read]