FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino announced his resignation on December 18, 2025, ending a brief and turbulent tenure marked by internal clashes and personal strain. The former podcaster and Fox News host will leave his position in January 2026 to return to broadcasting.
“I will be leaving my position with the FBI in January,” Bongino stated in his resignation announcement. “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.”
President Donald Trump confirmed the departure while speaking with reporters, saying Bongino “did a great job” and “wants to go back to his show.” The resignation comes as Bongino has started packing office belongings in Washington, D.C., preparing for his return to Florida.
The deputy director position had taken a serious toll on Bongino’s marriage. In May 2025, he candidly admitted he was living separated from his wife, Paula Bongino, 50, who remained in Florida with their two daughters. The strain of the role became apparent as Bongino acknowledged he did not like the job, despite his commitment to serving the president.
Bongino’s appointment to the FBI’s second-highest position was unconventional from the start. He had no FBI experience before his appointment, though he previously served as a Secret Service agent and a New York City police officer. His background as a former podcaster and Fox News host represented a significant departure from the typical career trajectory for FBI leadership.
The deputy director’s tenure was marked by significant controversy. In July 2025, Bongino clashed with Attorney General Pam Bondi over the handling of Jeffrey Epstein files. The conflict arose after the Justice Department concluded no Epstein client list exists, contradicting theories Bongino had previously promoted as a media personality.
The FBI leadership has also faced criticism over FBI Director Kash Patel’s handling of investigations. The duo’s unconventional backgrounds represented a significant shift in bureau leadership under the Trump administration.
Bongino plans to return to broadcasting, resuming his career as a pro-Trump media personality.
The resignation marks one of the highest-profile departures from the Trump administration. Bongino’s brief tenure in March 2025 lasted less than a year. His time in office was characterized by the challenge of balancing his new law enforcement responsibilities with his previous public statements and personal commitments.
The deputy director role traditionally involves oversight of the FBI’s day-to-day operations and has historically been held by career agents with extensive bureau experience. Bongino’s appointment represented a break from that tradition, reflecting the administration’s willingness to install political allies in key law enforcement positions.
The controversy over Epstein files involved extensive FBI resources. The bureau devoted 4,737 overtime hours to reviewing and processing documents related to the case, with overtime costs of $851,344 between March 17-22. The matter became a flashpoint between Bongino and Bondi, with disagreements over transparency and document handling creating tension within the Justice Department.
Throughout his tenure, Bongino maintained that he was proud to serve despite not enjoying the work. His commitment to the president remained evident even as personal and professional pressures mounted.
The timing of Bongino’s departure reflects broader challenges facing the Trump administration’s law enforcement appointments. The selection of individuals without traditional FBI backgrounds has generated debate about qualifications and the balance between political loyalty and institutional expertise.
As Bongino prepares to leave Washington, D.C., his return to Florida signals a return to his previous career in conservative media. His broadcasting platform had previously given him significant influence among right-wing audiences, and his return is expected to resume that role in the political discourse surrounding the Trump administration.
The resignation concludes a chapter that highlighted the tensions between political appointments and traditional law enforcement career paths, while underscoring the personal costs of high-level government service.
