Dan Bongino stepped away from his role as the deputy director of the FBI on Sunday, having served in that capacity for less than a year. He announced his departure on X, expressing that Saturday marked his final day at work before he transitions back to “civilian life.”
Bongino reflected positively on his year, crediting President Trump for his leadership and stating that it was an honor to work alongside Secretary Patel and serve the American populace. He indicated he would reconnect soon.
Back in mid-December, Bongino had shared that he planned to resign from his position at the start of the new year.
In a notable change, Patel Tapu Bondi from Missouri will join Bongino as deputy director of the FBI.
Trump had previously lauded Bongino’s contributions to the FBI after taking office in March, remarking on Bongino’s performance and suggesting he might want to return to broadcasting.
Bongino has previously opened up about the personal sacrifices tied to his FBI role, citing long hours and the emotional toll it took on his personal life. He mentioned during an appearance on Fox & Friends that the job cost him dearly—he feels the strain from being away from his spouse, saying they are not divorced, but separated, which adds to the difficulty of balancing work and personal life.
With Bongino’s resignation, Andrew Bailey, who was designated deputy director in September 2025, will now take on the role alongside the other deputy. It seems quite a shift, perhaps more than many realize. It’s a considerable transition for both those leaving and those stepping up into the spotlight.
