Dan Bongino’s announced resignation as FBI Deputy Director, effective January 2026, marks the end of a controversial and short tenure. Appointed by President Trump, Bongino’s lack of traditional FBI credentials and his political alignment created significant tension with career law enforcement personnel, underscoring an ongoing conflict between political appointees and the agency’s long-standing professional culture.
Story Highlights
- Dan Bongino resigns as FBI Deputy Director, effective January 2026.
- Bongino returns to media, particularly his podcast, under Trump’s endorsement.
- His tenure was marked by significant tension with career FBI agents.
- Bongino’s appointment was a political move, breaking from the tradition of career agents.
Bongino’s Short-Lived Tenure
On December 17, 2025, Dan Bongino announced his resignation as the FBI Deputy Director, effective January 2026. This move was anticipated as Bongino expressed his desire to return to his media career, including The Dan Bongino Show. Appointed by President Trump, Bongino’s role was a significant departure from the norm, as he was a media figure with no prior experience in the FBI, chosen for his staunch support of Trump and conservative values.
Bongino’s tenure was marked by a controversial co-deputy directorship with Andrew Bailey, beginning in September 2025. This unconventional arrangement, alongside Bongino’s lack of traditional FBI credentials, highlighted the Trump administration’s strategy of prioritizing loyalists over career professionals, which led to friction with long-standing FBI personnel.
It's Official: Dan Bongino Has Left the FBI https://t.co/Bxc64rTIwn
— 🌺🌿kam🌿🌺 (@pjkate) January 4, 2026
Tensions within the FBI
Bongino’s appointment and subsequent actions as Deputy Director were not without controversy. Career FBI officials often disputed his public claims regarding high-profile cases, such as the January 6 pipe bomb arrest. Attorney General Pam Bondi credited Bongino and Director Kash Patel with the arrest, though this assertion faced internal opposition from career agents, who believed the credit was misappropriated.
Despite these challenges, Bongino remained a steadfast advocate for reforming the FBI. He aimed to align the Bureau with conservative priorities, publicly defending Patel’s leadership and reforms. This approach, while celebrated by some, was seen as a politicization of the FBI by others, potentially undermining the agency’s perceived neutrality and effectiveness.
The Impact of Bongino’s Departure
Bongino’s resignation has left a void in the FBI’s leadership, with Andrew Bailey continuing in the co-deputy role. This transition period may affect the agency’s morale and operational dynamics, especially as Bongino teases the declassification of documents from former Director James Comey’s era, a move that could further stir controversy and political debate.
Bongino’s return to media is likely to reinvigorate his conservative audience, particularly those who appreciated his direct and vigorous defense of Trump-era policies. His departure from the FBI underscores the revolving door between the Trump administration and its media allies, emphasizing the ongoing struggle between political appointees and career professionals in federal agencies.
Watch the report: FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino to step down from his post in January
Sources:
Dan Bongino Tapped as FBI Deputy Director – OPB
Dan Bongino to Step Down as FBI Director – Onward State
Dan Bongino: From Podcaster to FBI – TIME
