Dan Bongino, the Deputy Director of the FBI, has confirmed that he will resign from his position in January. He made this announcement on the social media platform X, expressing gratitude to President Donald Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Director Kash Patel for the opportunity to serve. Bongino, who was appointed by Trump, previously worked as a media personality and has indicated a desire to return to that role.

His departure follows a period of speculation regarding his tenure, with reports suggesting he had begun packing his office prior to the announcement. President Trump acknowledged Bongino's contributions and hinted at his eagerness to return to media.

Bongino's time at the FBI included significant involvement in high-profile investigations, such as the identification of a suspect in the pipe bomb incidents that occurred outside the Republican and Democratic headquarters in Washington, D.C., on January 5, 2021. However, his tenure was not without controversy; he reportedly had a contentious exchange with Attorney General Bondi concerning the handling of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. This incident raised questions about transparency and accountability within the Justice Department.

Following Bongino's resignation, Andrew Bailey, who was appointed as co-deputy director in September, is expected to take on the full responsibilities of the deputy role. Bailey previously served as the Missouri Attorney General and was involved in a Supreme Court challenge regarding federal pressure on social media companies concerning alleged disinformation.

The role of FBI deputy director is crucial, overseeing the bureau's daily operations, and has gained significant attention in the current political climate, particularly regarding the FBI's role in governance and law enforcement in the United States. The FBI has not yet issued a statement regarding Bongino's resignation.