Topline
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said Wednesday he will leave his role in January, only eight months after taking office at the intelligence agency, with President Donald Trump saying the former radio personality wished to return to his conservative show.
Key Facts
In July, CNN reported Bongino was considering resigning from his role after clashing with officials at the Justice Department over the release of a memo saying the government would not voluntarily release more of the Epstein files.
Bongino, a Trump loyalist, was formerly a police officer, Secret Service agent and right-wing radio and TV show host before being controversially appointed to the FBI job in February by Trump despite having no prior experience at the agency.
Bongino reopened investigations into some Biden-era cases, including the 2021 pipe bomb case where pipe bombs were discovered near the Democratic and Republican parties’ headquarters the night before the January 6 riot–the FBI announced the arrest of four suspects last week.
Former Missouri attorney general Andrew Bailey, who serves as co-director alongside Bongino, will continue as the second-most powerful person at the agency.
Crucial Quote
“I want to thank President Trump, AG Bondi, and Director Patel for the opportunity to serve with purpose,” Bonginowrote on X.
Dan Bongino Says He’s Leaving FBI
