Dan Bongino to step down as FBI deputy director
Dan Bongino announced on the social‑media platform X that he will vacate his position as the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s deputy director in January. The brief statement was posted on Friday and immediately attracted attention from both domestic and international media outlets.
In his post, Bongino expressed gratitude to President Donald Trump, the FBI director, and the U.S. attorney general for their support during his tenure. He did not provide specific reasons for his departure, but indicated that the decision was made after careful consideration of personal and professional factors.
The deputy director role is second‑in‑command at the FBI, overseeing day‑to‑day operations, coordinating major investigations, and acting as a liaison with other law‑enforcement agencies. The bureau has faced a series of high‑profile challenges in recent years, including cyber‑security threats, domestic terrorism cases, and ongoing reforms aimed at improving transparency and accountability. Bongino’s exit comes at a time when the agency is finalizing a multi‑year strategic plan that emphasizes technological modernization and inter‑agency collaboration.
Government officials and security experts responded with measured remarks. A spokesperson for the Department of Justice said the transition would be handled in accordance with established succession protocols and that the agency remains focused on its core mission. Analysts noted that a change in leadership could bring fresh perspectives to ongoing initiatives, while also emphasizing the importance of continuity to maintain operational stability. The FBI is expected to appoint an interim deputy director while a permanent replacement is identified, with the selection process slated to begin later this month.
