FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino is heading for the exit.
Bongino confirmed Wednesday that he will leave the bureau in January, ending weeks of speculation about his future at the FBI.
“I will be leaving my position with the FBI in January,” Bongino wrote in an X post. “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.”
I will be leaving my position with the FBI in January.
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…— Dan Bongino (@FBIDDBongino) December 17, 2025
Earlier in the day, President Donald Trump hinted at the move while speaking on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews.
“Dan did a great job. I think he wants to go back to his show,” Trump said.
Watch the clip below:
🚨 BREAKING: President Trump says FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino likely wants to go back to his show
"Dan did a great job. I think he wants to go back to his show."
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) December 17, 2025
Bongino, a former Secret Service agent and conservative media figure, had no prior FBI experience before Trump tapped him for the bureau’s No. 2 job. For more than a century, the role had traditionally been filled by a career FBI official, according to the FBI Agents Association.
The deputy director position does not require Senate confirmation, allowing Trump to bypass the usual vetting process.
It remains unclear who will replace Bongino, leaving questions swirling inside the bureau as another high-profile shakeup unfolds.
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