In a breaking development, Dan Bongino stepped down as FBI Deputy Director after less than a year, returning to private life on January 5, 2026. In his concluding remarks, he thanked President Trump for his leadership and Director Kash Patel for the honor of serving.
For context, Bongino previously highlighted the job’s personal toll, including separation from family. His departure leaves Andrew Bailey as the remaining deputy director. Reacting to the announcement, Trump praised Bongino’s performance, noting his desire to resume his media job.
Issuing context on the decision, the former FBI official said, “It’s been an incredible year thanks to the leadership and decisiveness of President Trump. It was the honor of a lifetime to work with Director Patel, and to serve you, the American people. See you on the other side.”
Reacting to the change in leadership, the FBI posted, “After his swearing-in ceremony as FBI Deputy Director, Dan Bongino paid his respects at the Wall of Honor, honoring the brave members of the #FBI who made the ultimate sacrifice and reflecting on the legacy of those who paved the way in the pursuit of justice and security.” Similarly, the president reacted graciously, “Dan did a great job. I think he wants to go back to his show.”
Speaking about the personal toll, Dan Bongino said, “I gave up everything for this.” Adding more context, he declared, “I stare at these four walls all day in D.C., by myself, divorced from my wife — not divorced, but I mean separated — and it’s hard. I mean, we love each other, and it’s hard to be apart.”
Announcing his initial decision months earlier, Bongino had noted, “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.”
When news of his departure reached social media, conservatives were sad to see him go. “Such an impressive resume for Dan Bongino in just one year of leadership as FBI Deputy Director, alongside Director Kash Patel. Promises made, promises kept! Can’t thank you enough @dbongino,” one viral post read.
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Continuing, the same user noted, “[I] am wishing you even more success, the best in health, and much happiness in your return to the private sector. These accomplishments are historical, and don’t even reflect everything that Dan and Kash accomplished!”
Listing out several of Bongino’s accomplishments, the same source declared, “🔺Historic 20% drop in nationwide murder rate🔺100% increase in arrests year to year🔺1,800 gangs and criminal enterprises disrupted (210% increase)-2,000+ kilos of Fentanyl seized (up 31%) enough to kill 130 million Americans.”
Wrapping up the list of Bongino’s accomplishments while at the FBI, the tweet added, “🔺Nihilistic Violent Extremism arrests up 490%🔺Over 6,000 child victims located (up 22%)🔺Espionage arrests up 35%🔺Multiple successful surges including Operation Summer Heat which had almost 9,000 arrests in just three months…”
Watch Trump comment on why Bongino is leaving the FBI:
Featured image credit: By Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=55653121