Overview
- Bongino announced on X that he will depart in January after President Trump told reporters he likely wants to return to his show.
- His less-than-a-year tenure broke FBI tradition, as the former Secret Service agent had no prior experience at the bureau.
- The exit follows months of friction over handling Jeffrey Epstein records, including reported clashes with Attorney General Pam Bondi after a DOJ–FBI memo said no client list existed.
- Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, appointed in August as co-deputy director, is positioned to assume greater responsibilities, according to multiple reports.
- The leadership change comes as Director Kash Patel faces separate controversies over public disclosures and resource use, with commentators warning the turmoil could hinder key investigations.