FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino is reportedly set to resign from his position early next year, a move that has garnered attention from both political circles and media outlets. Standing outside Air Force One, former President Donald Trump praised Bongino’s performance, suggesting that the deputy director may be eager to return to his previous role in conservative media. “Dan did a great job,” Trump stated during a press conference on Wednesday. “I think he wants to go back to his show.”
Reports indicate Bongino has shared his plans to step down with close associates and is contemplating announcing his departure as soon as this Friday. Sources have mentioned that he does not intend to return to FBI headquarters this month. The FBI has declined to comment on the matter, and Bongino himself has responded dismissively to inquiries, telling MS Now, “Print whatever you’d like. No one believes you anyway.”
Bongino, a former New York police officer and Secret Service agent, became a notable figure in conservative media prior to his appointment as deputy director. His rise in the political landscape included entertaining controversial theories, such as claims surrounding the January 6, 2021, events in Washington. Following his tenure with the FBI, Bongino has shifted away from some of his previous positions, notably regarding the death of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He now asserts that Epstein’s death was a suicide, contrary to earlier speculations he had entertained while working as a commentator.
The potential departure of Bongino could leave the FBI’s second-in-command role vacant. Earlier this year, the Trump administration appointed Andrew Bailey, former Missouri Attorney General, as a co-deputy director, which may facilitate a smooth transition in leadership should Bongino formally resign.
The timing of Bongino’s announcement is significant as it coincides with a deadline for the Trump administration to comply with a bipartisan law mandating the release of federal files related to the Epstein investigations. This requirement has been a contentious issue that nearly led to a government shutdown earlier in the year.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Bongino’s exit could have implications for the direction of the FBI and its management under the current administration. His departure from the bureau, coupled with Trump’s endorsement, underscores a broader narrative concerning the intersection of law enforcement and political influence in the United States.
The developments surrounding Bongino’s potential resignation will be closely monitored, particularly as they relate to ongoing investigations and the public’s interest in transparency regarding high-profile cases like that of Epstein.
