Trump confirms Dan Bongino exiting FBI Deputy Director role: 'He wants to go back to his show'

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MARYLAND: President Donald Trump confirmed on Wednesday, December 17, that FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino is leaving his post, after reports surfaced that he was seen clearing out his office.

Sources say Bongino has begun sending his personal belongings back to his Florida home as he prepares to exit the agency and resume his media work.

Trump praises Dan Bongino amid FBI exit reports

As reports about Bongino’s departure from the FBI grew, President Trump was at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland for the dignified transfer of two Iowa National Guard members killed in Syria. While speaking with reporters, Trump addressed the speculation and referred to Bongino’s FBI work in the past tense.

“Dan did a great job,” Trump confirmed. “I think he wants to go back to his show.”

Bongino, a former conservative podcaster who rose to become the FBI’s second-in-command under the Trump administration, also confirmed on Wednesday, December 17, that he will leave the bureau next month.

In a post on X, Bongino said he plans to step down in January and thanked President Trump, Attorney General Bondi, Director Patel, and the American public for the opportunity to serve.

"I will be leaving my position with the FBI in January. I want to thank President Trump, AG Bondi, and Director Patel for the opportunity to serve with purpose. Most importantly, I want to thank you, my fellow Americans, for the privilege to serve you," he wrote on X.

Dan Bongino admits FBI role was difficult

Bongino said in May 2025 that he did not necessarily enjoy the role President Donald Trump gave him. Trump appointed the conservative commentator and former Fox News host to the position in late February. Bongino returned to Fox News for an interview on 'Fox & Friends,' where host Brian Kilmeade asked how his view of the job had changed since taking it.

Bongino said, "You know, the biggest lifestyle change for me has been family-wise. I mean, we already went through this with my time in the Secret Service."

He explained, "But, you know, when the president called and and asked if I would take the job, you can’t tell your audience for years, 'Go out and do stuff. Talk is cheap,' and then when the opportunity comes to do stuff, 'But I didn’t mean me. I meant you.' It’s kind of a… You’re a fraud. I mean, you don’t sound like a fraud. You are one."

He revealed, "It’s been tough on the family. I gave up everything for this. My wife is struggling. I'm not a victim. It's fine. I'm proud I did this. But if you think we're there for tea and crumpets...we're there all day."

He recalled, "People ask me all the time, ‘Do you like it?’ I say, ‘No, I don’t.’ The president didn’t ask me to do this to like it. Nobody likes going into an organization like that and having to change things and make big, bold changes."