Dan Bongino May Be Leaving the FBI
People briefed on the matter told Reuters that Bongino’s office belongings had already been boxed up, although another person said he was still working at FBI headquarters on Wednesday.
Bongino’s Unusual Path to FBI Deputy Director
Bongino, a former New York City police officer and US Secret Service agent, was an unusual choice for the FBI’s second-in-command role, which has traditionally been held by career agents who worked their way up through the bureau.
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FBI Agents Association Objected to Bongino Appointment
His appointment drew objections from the FBI Agents Association, which represents about 14,000 mostly current agents, despite assurances from FBI Director Kash Patel that the position would be filled by a career agent.
Trump Picked Bongino Despite No Prior FBI Experience
Trump selected Bongino for the high-profile law enforcement job despite his lack of prior FBI experience. Before entering government, Bongino was a prominent conservative media figure and right-wing podcaster, known for publicly discussing several conspiracy theories, as per a CNBC report.
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Bongino’s Comments on January 6 Pipe Bomb Case
As a private citizen, Bongino had suggested that the pipe bombs planted in Washington on the eve of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot were an “inside job.” Earlier this month, after federal agents arrested and charged Brian Cole Jr. in connection with the devices following a nearly five-year search, Bongino publicly celebrated the development.
When asked by Fox News host Sean Hannity how his earlier comments aligned with the arrest, Bongino said he had been “paid in the past” for his opinions and added, “one day I will be back in that space,” as quoted by CNBC. He said that as deputy director, his responsibility was different, saying, “That’s not what I’m paid for now. I’m paid to be your deputy director, and we base investigations on facts,” as quoted by CNBC.
Bongino Reverses Position on Jeffrey Epstein Death
Bongino had also previously questioned official accounts surrounding the 2019 death of Jeffrey Epstein, the wealthy financier and convicted sex offender who died in jail. After joining the FBI, Bongino said there was no doubt Epstein died by suicide.
He said in a social media X post in May that, “I have reviewed the case. Jeffrey Epstein killed himself. There’s no evidence in the case file indicating otherwise,” as quoted by CNBC.
In July, the FBI released a memo concluding that Epstein died by suicide and that a rumored “client list” did not exist. The memo prompted backlash among members of Trump’s MAGA movement, where conspiracy theories about Epstein have circulated for years. According to a New York Times report, Bongino and Attorney General Pam Bondi later confronted each other angrily at the White House over the issue.
According to CNBC, on Friday, the day Bongino is reportedly considering announcing his departure, is also the deadline for the Trump administration to comply with a bipartisan law requiring the release of government files related to Epstein investigations.
FAQs
Is Dan Bongino leaving the FBI?
Trump said he believes Bongino may want to leave and return to media, though no official announcement has been made.
What did Trump say about Dan Bongino?
Trump said Bongino did a great job and might want to “go back to his show.”