FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino announces departure from agency

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino announced he will leave his position at the bureau, according to a statement he posted publicly.

“I will be leaving my position with the FBI in January,” Bongino said in a social media post on Wednesday. “I want to thank President Trump, AG Bondi, and Director Patel for the opportunity to serve with purpose.”

President Trump confirmed Bongino’s departure earlier on Wednesday, according to CNN. Trump told reporters that Bongino had “did a great job” and suggested he wanted to return to his radio show.

According to CNN, Bongino’s exit follows internal tensions earlier this year involving the Justice Department’s handling of the aborted release of documents related to convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.

Bongino assumed the role of FBI deputy director as part of the Trump administration’s leadership changes at the Justice Department and the bureau. His appointment came after President Trump returned to office and named Kash Patel as FBI director, with Bongino joining the bureau’s senior leadership despite having no prior experience inside the FBI’s management ranks.