FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino is reportedly preparing to leave his position at the bureau in the coming weeks. Sources have indicated that Bongino, who has been in the role since March 2025, could depart as early as this week or as late as mid-January, according to reports from The New York Times.
In anticipation of his exit, Bongino has begun clearing out his office, shipping personal items back to Florida, where he plans to return to pro-Trump broadcasting as the 2026 midterms draw closer. Bongino, a former Secret Service special agent, has been a vocal advocate for transparency regarding the controversial Epstein files, which have been the subject of ongoing public interest and scrutiny.
Despite discussions around his departure, Fox News, a network that has typically aligned with Bongino, has disputed claims that his office is set to be vacated, yet acknowledged that his exit remains a possibility. There were also allegations last week suggesting that Bongino was being positioned as a scapegoat in relation to the Epstein matter, claims the FBI firmly denied. An FBI source emphasized that any decision regarding Bongino’s departure would be his own, asserting, “It’s not in any way true Bongino is being axed over the Epstein files or anything else.”
Throughout his time in the role, Bongino has faced backlash from his supporters within the MAGA movement, particularly due to his shift towards a more cautious stance regarding the Epstein case—a departure from his previous media rhetoric. Questions have arisen surrounding his clashes with Attorney General Pam Bondi and the internal dynamics at the FBI, as Bongino reportedly faced significant pressure and scrutiny.
The fallout has also involved documentation revealing the FBI’s internal handling of Jeffrey Epstein-related investigations, including a “Special Redaction Project” designed to manage sensitive information. Additionally, Bongino has been entangled in controversy with critics inside the agency, who have assembled a dossier on perceived failings within the FBI leadership.
Moreover, Bongino and FBI Director Kash Patel, who has also faced growing criticism, notably over his social media posts during high-profile investigations, have drawn scrutiny after various blunders, attracting skeptical commentary from figures such as Representative Seth Magaziner.
As Bongino wraps up his term, his potential shifts back to media and commentary signal a return to a world where he can freely express his views. While his tenure at the FBI may come to an end amid internal strife, the ongoing discussions surrounding transparency and accountability in government operations continue to resonate with the public. Despite the challenges, his future involvement in pro-Trump media could further amplify his influence in the political landscape leading to the crucial 2026 midterms.