Hook paragraph\n\n## Background of Bongino’s Appointment\n\nIn March, President Donald Trump installed Dan Bongino as the FBI’s Deputy Director after years of hosting a conservative podcast. Bongino, a former New York City police officer and Secret Service agent, had no prior FBI experience, making his selection unconventional.\n\n## The Epstein File Controversy\n\nBongino’s tenure was dominated by disputes with the Justice Department over the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files. He challenged the official ruling that Epstein had taken his own life, but after joining the bureau he said in a Fox News interview: \”I’ve seen the whole file. He killed himself.\”\n\n## Social Media and Base Support\n\nThroughout his time in the role, Bongino used social media to address Trump supporters who felt the FBI was not acting swiftly enough. He reassured them that the bureau was focusing on the pipe‑bomb case, a draft Supreme Court opinion leak in 2022, and the discovery of cocaine in the White House during the Biden administration.\n\n## Pipe Bomb Speculation\n\nEarlier in his career, Bongino had suggested that the pipe bombs found on the eve of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot were an \”inside job\” and that the truth was hidden by a \”massive cover‑up.\” When the FBI arrested a 30‑year‑old Virginia man with no ties to the federal government, skepticism grew.\n\n## Bongino on Compensation\n\nIn a Fox News interview with Sean Hannity, Bongino said: \”I was paid in the past, Sean, for my opinions, that’s clear,\” and added, \”And one day, I’ll be back in that space but that’s not what I’m paid for now. I’m paid to be your deputy director and we base investigations on facts.\”\n\n## Tension with the Justice Department\n\nQuestions about Bongino’s future lingered after a tense exchange at the White House in July with Attorney General Pam Bondi. The exchange followed the FBI and DOJ’s decision not to release additional records from the Epstein investigation.\n\n## Silence on the FBI Account\n\nAfter the July encounter, Bongino, who was normally active on social media, went silent from his FBI account for several days. Far‑right activist Laura Loomer posted on X that she was told Bongino was \”seriously thinking about resigning\” and had taken the day off to contemplate his future.\n\n## Co‑Deputy Director Added\n\nIn August, the Trump administration added a co‑Deputy Director, former Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, as an unusual step to balance leadership.\n\n## President Trump’s Response\n\nBongino announced his departure, which had been expected, in a post on X in which he said he was grateful for the \”opportunity to serve with purpose.\” President Donald Trump responded earlier in the day: \”Dan did a great job. I think he wants to go back to his show.\”\n\n## The Broader Impact on the FBI\n\nBongino’s resignation is among the highest‑profile exits of the Trump administration. It follows the firing of career agents that has contributed to upheaval at the FBI, and it comes as Director Kash Patel faces criticism over his use of a government plane for personal purposes and social media posts about active investigations.\n\n## Key Takeaways\n\n- Dan Bongino will resign from the FBI next month after a brief tenure marked by clashes over the Epstein files.\n- His resignation follows a pattern of high‑profile departures during the Trump administration, amid criticism of FBI leadership.\n- The move underscores ongoing tensions between the FBI and the Justice Department over investigative priorities and transparency.\n\nThe announcement signals a significant shift in the FBI’s leadership and raises questions about the agency’s future direction under new command.
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