Dan Bongino Leaves FBI Deputy Director Role
Dan Bongino, the FBI’s deputy director, has announced his departure from the agency in January. He expressed gratitude to President Donald Trump, the FBI Director, and the Attorney General for the opportunity to serve.
The announcement, made via a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, came shortly after Mr. Trump praised Bongino’s work, stating he “did a great job” and “wants to go back to his show”.
Bongino was appointed to the role in February by Trump. Before his involvement with the FBI, he gained prominence as a New York City police officer, a US Secret Service agent protecting former President Barack Obama, and through his successful podcast and media appearances.
His appointment was met with some surprise, particularly from the FBI Agents Association – representing around 14,000 current and former agents – who opposed his selection due to his lack of prior experience within the agency.
In his post, Bongino stated: “I will be leaving my position with the FBI in January. I want to thank President Trump, AG Pam Bondi, and Director Kash 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.”
Prior to joining the FBI, Bongino was known for questioning the official narratives surrounding the 2020 Presidential Election and the January 6th pipe bomb investigation. He had notably suggested the pipe bomb case was an “inside job”.
Once in office, Bongino prioritized the pipe bomb investigation, which Attorney General Bondi described as having “languished”. A suspect was arrested earlier this month, almost six years after the devices were discovered near the headquarters of the Republican and Democratic parties.
FBI Director Kash Patel lauded Bongino’s contributions, describing him as “the people’s voice for transparency” and crediting him with “major breakthroughs in long unsolved cases like the pipe bomb investigation”. Patel added, “He not only completed his mission – he far exceeded it.”
Interestingly, Bongino also appeared to shift his position on the circumstances surrounding the death of Jeffrey Epstein. Previously questioning whether Epstein’s death was a suicide, he stated in May, “I have seen the whole file. He killed himself.” This stance aligns with a July report released by the US Justice Department and the FBI confirming Epstein committed suicide and that no “client list” existed.
According to reports from CBS News, the Justice Department’s memo regarding Epstein’s death sparked disagreements with Bondi, particularly among Trump’s supporters who continue to believe in conspiracy theories surrounding the case.
Bondi publicly stated on X on Wednesday that “Americans are safer” thanks to Bongino’s service at the FBI.
Image Source: MYJOYONLINE
