FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino Announces Departure in January

Washington, D.C. — December 17, 2025

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino announced on Wednesday that he will step down from his position in January 2026, concluding a high-profile but brief tenure at the nation's premier law enforcement agency.

In a statement posted on Twitter from his official account, Bongino expressed gratitude to President Donald Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and FBI Director Kash Patel for the opportunity to serve. "I will be leaving my position with the FBI in January," Bongino wrote. "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. God bless America, and all those who defend Her."

President Trump appeared to confirm the news earlier in the day while speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews. "Dan did a great job," Trump said. "I think he wants to go back to his show," referring to Bongino's popular conservative podcast, The Dan Bongino Show, which he paused upon joining the FBI in February 2025.

Bongino, a former Secret Service agent, NYPD officer, and prominent media personality, was appointed deputy director amid efforts to reform the FBI under the second Trump administration. His selection was notable as he was the first deputy director in modern history without prior experience as an FBI agent. During his roughly 10-month tenure, Bongino played a key role in high-profile initiatives, including the arrest of a suspect in the January 6, 2021, pipe bomb case and broader efforts to address violent crime and child exploitation.

Reports of Bongino's potential exit had circulated in recent days, with sources telling outlets like MS NOW and The New York Times that he had begun clearing personal items from his office and informed confidants of his plans to depart early next year. Speculation intensified amid internal criticisms of the FBI's new leadership and past tensions, including a reported clash with Attorney General Bondi over the handling of Jeffrey Epstein-related files.

Neither the FBI nor Bongino provided specific reasons for the departure beyond his statement's tone of appreciation. Sources familiar with the matter indicated Bongino plans to return to media and podcasting from his home in Florida.

Bongino's time at the FBI was marked by significant organizational changes, including leadership overhauls, relocation of personnel to field offices, and reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency and public trust. Supporters praised his outsider perspective, while critics questioned his lack of traditional FBI experience.

The announcement comes as the Trump administration continues to reshape federal law enforcement agencies. Bongino's exit leaves Director Kash Patel at the helm, with ongoing questions about further leadership adjustments. 17GEN4.com

Who will replace Dan Bongino as Deputy Director?

As of December 17, 2025, no official announcement has been made regarding a replacement for Dan Bongino as FBI Deputy Director following his planned departure in January 2026.

Reports from multiple sources, including the Associated Press, Daily Caller, and others, confirm Bongino's exit but explicitly state that the FBI and Bongino have provided no details on his successor.

The FBI has an unusual leadership structure: in August/September 2025, President Trump appointed Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey as a "co-deputy director" to share responsibilities alongside Bongino, an unprecedented arrangement amid reported internal tensions.

Some outlets (e.g., MS NOW and The New York Sun) note that Bailey could assume a larger role after Bongino's departure, while earlier speculation had even floated Bailey as a potential replacement for FBI Director Kash Patel.

However, no confirmation exists that Bailey—or anyone else—will formally replace Bongino.

The situation remains fluid, with ongoing leadership scrutiny at the bureau under Director Kash Patel. Any appointment would likely come from the Trump administration in the coming weeks.