Dan Bongino, the Deputy Director of the FBI, announced Wednesday that he will be leaving his position in January, expressing gratitude to President Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel.
Bongino also thanked fellow Americans for the opportunity to serve the country.
“I want to thank President Trump, AG Bondi, and Director Patel for the opportunity to serve with purpose,” Bongino wrote on X. “Most importantly, I want to thank you, my fellow Americans, for the privilege to serve you. God bless America, and all those who defend Her.”
Bongino, a former Secret Service agent, NYPD officer, author and prominent conservative commentator, became one of the most recognizable pro-law enforcement voices in conservative media before joining the FBI’s leadership.
Speculation about Bongino’s future at the bureau had already begun circulating prior to his announcement.
Resist the Mainstream reported yesterday that sources and online discussion suggested Bongino’s role at the FBI could be coming to an end, fueling debate among conservatives about internal resistance to reform within the agency.
His confirmed departure now marks one of the most high-profile exits from the FBI during President Trump’s second term and quickly sparked strong reactions across conservative media and social platforms.
Messages praising Bongino’s service, patriotism, and leadership quickly flooded X, with many conservatives applauding his willingness to take on what they view as a deeply entrenched federal institution.
Supporters pointed to his long-standing emphasis on accountability, national security and restoring public trust in federal law enforcement.
“Thank you for taking on a massive freaking task on behalf of the American people, sir,” wrote conservative journalist Nick Sortor. “We appreciate you.”
“I support Dan Bongino as Deputy Director of the FBI, I also support Dan Bongino the podcaster. What ever decision he makes, I support him,” wrote conservative commentator Gunther Eagleman.
However, not all reactions were celebratory.
Some supporters interpreted Bongino’s resignation as confirmation of long-standing concerns about the FBI’s internal culture and resistance to reform.
Critics argued that even strong conservative leadership faces steep challenges inside an agency they believe has lost credibility with the public.
One X user wrote bluntly, “Dan Bongino just resigned. That tells you everything right there….the corruption is too deep and it can’t be fixed. America is F&CKED.”
Many conservatives echoed those frustrations, citing unresolved controversies and the FBI’s handling of high-profile cases—including lingering questions surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein files—as examples of why trust in the agency remains low.
Calls for greater transparency and accountability have intensified in recent years, particularly among Trump supporters who believe the bureau has been politicized.
While Bongino did not provide details about his next steps, allies say his departure does not mark a retreat from public life.
Whether he returns to media, advocacy or another role in public service, supporters made clear that his influence within conservative circles remains strong.
For many, Bongino’s exit is both a moment of gratitude for his service and a renewed reminder of the challenges facing federal law enforcement reform.
This is a breaking story and will be updated.
