Dan Bongino stepping down as FBI deputy director

Dan Bongino has said he will leave his role as the FBI’s deputy director in January.

“I want to thank President Trump, AG (Pam) Bondi, and Director (Kash) Patel for the opportunity to serve with purpose,” Bongino wrote on X.

It comes after US President Donald Trump said earlier on Wednesday the former podcast host “did a great job” in office, and “wants to go back to his show”.

Bongino, who was appointed to the role by Donald Trump in February, was previously a New York City police officer and a US Secret Service agent. In recent years, he built a large following through his podcast and other media appearances.

Bongino, a staunch Trump ally, was considered a surprise pick for the role – which had previously been held by career agents – because he had no prior experience with the agency.

The FBI Agents Association, which represents around 14,000 current and former agents, had opposed his appointment to the position.

Announcing his decision in a social media post on Wednesday, he said: “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 all those who defend Her.”

In July, according to the BBC’s media partner CBS News, Bongino’s frustration over the government’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files led to a contentious meeting between him and Attorney General Pam Bondi.