Following a controversial run as the No 2 in charge, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino has officially announced that he will be leaving his position in January. Amid major speculation around the issue, he finally took to his official social media account to share the news on Wednesday (US time).

Thanking US President Donald Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel, he also extended a message to his fellow Americans.

His exit comes after less than a year on the job.

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“I will be leaving my position with the FBI in January,” he wrote on X. “I want to thank President Trump, AG Bondi, and Director Patel for the opportunity to serve with purpose. 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.”

Reuters also reported that Bongino’s possessions at his FBI office had already been boxed up, indicating plans for his departure were already being worked out before the formal announcement.

Moreover, MS Now had reported that Bongino had already shared his plans of not returning to FBI headquarters in Washington, DC, this month with confidants. When contacted for comment, the No 2 at FBI told the news outlet, “Print whatever you’d like. No one believes you anyway. Thanks.”

Prior to his FBI stint, Bongino also made a name for himself as a conservative political commentator and the host of his self-titled shows like “The Dan Bongino Show” on Rumble and “Unfiltered with Dan Bongino” on Fox News. Even before that, he served as a New York City Police Department officer and a US Secret Service agent.

Given his former job as a podcaster, the conservative commentator gave way one too many conspiracy theories on right-wing media. His resignation also comes just days ahead of the Friday deadline for the Trump administration to comply with the order to release government files on its investigations pertaining to Jeffrey Epstein.

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US President Donald Trump has since reacted to Dan Bongino’s decision, hinting at his return to his podcast days. “Dan did a great job,” he told reporters. “I think he wants to go back to his show.”

Kash Patel has also responded to Bongino’s announcement, calling him the “best partner” he could’ve asked for in “helping restore this FBI.” On X, he wrote, “He not only completed his mission — he far exceeded it. We will miss him but I’m thankful he accepted the call to serve. Our country is better and safer for it.”