Outgoing FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino recently discussed his decision to leave his post and the Trump administration during a Friday appearance on Fox & Friends. Bongino suggested that personal and professional pressures played a major role in his choice. “I mean I gave up everything for this. I mean you know my…my wife is struggling. I’m not a victim. I’m not Jim Comey. It’s fine,” he said. He described long hours and a demanding schedule, noting how his office routine contrasted sharply with that of FBI Director Kash Patel. “Our offices are linked. He turns on the faucet, I hear it. He gets there at like six o’clock in the morning. He doesn’t leave till seven at night. You know, I’m in there at 7:30 in the morning,” Bongino explained, highlighting the intensity of the role.
Bongino also emphasized the personal sacrifices involved, sharing how working in isolation affected his family life. “He uses the gym, I work out in my apartment, but I stare at these four walls all day in DC, you know, by myself divorced from my wife – not divorced, but I mean separated-divorced, and it’s hard,” he said. Despite these challenges, he expressed pride in his service and dedication to his responsibilities. His comments offered insight into the human side of federal leadership, where personal life often competes with professional duties, especially in politically sensitive positions.
The departure comes amid reported tensions with Attorney General Pam Bondi over the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigative files. Reports from MS NOW and USA Today indicated that Bongino had been planning his exit early next year and had begun clearing out his office. President Donald Trump confirmed the upcoming departure, and Bongino subsequently expressed gratitude on social media, thanking Trump, Bondi, and FBI Director Kash Patel for the opportunity to serve. “Most importantly, I want to thank you, my fellow Americans, for the privilege to serve you,” he wrote. Trump praised Bongino’s work, noting that he wanted to return to his media career.
Bongino’s background includes service as a Secret Service agent and a New York City police officer, experiences that later enhanced his credibility in conservative media. As host of The Dan Bongino Show, he became a prominent voice among supporters of Trump’s Make America Great Again movement, often criticizing the FBI and Justice Department. His prior critiques of federal law enforcement, particularly regarding Epstein, contributed to his rise in conservative circles, positioning him as both a media personality and a law enforcement insider.
Since March, Bongino has been involved in a significant shakeup of federal law enforcement under Trump appointees. After Kash Patel was appointed FBI director and Bongino as deputy, several top officials were removed, including a former acting FBI director and other senior leaders accused of politicization. Some of these officials later filed federal lawsuits alleging wrongful termination. Bongino’s tenure also intersected with the Epstein case, which had drawn significant public scrutiny. While he previously suggested a cover-up surrounding Epstein’s death, after reviewing FBI files, Bongino concluded Epstein died by suicide and no client list existed. Disagreements over the handling of the files reportedly fueled friction between Bongino and Bondi, contributing to his decision to resign.
Ultimately, Bongino’s departure reflects a mixture of personal, professional, and political factors. Long hours, isolation from his spouse, internal conflicts with top officials, and disputes over high-profile cases like Epstein likely influenced his choice. His exit also allows him to return to media, where he commands a substantial audience. Bongino’s reflections highlight the complex balance between duty and personal life, the pressures of public service in a politically charged environment, and the influence of high-profile federal roles on private well-being. His decision marks the end of a notable chapter in federal law enforcement while signaling a renewed focus on his media career.
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