Dan Bongino says he's leaving as deputy FBI director in January
Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino said Wednesday he will be leaving his position in January.
Bongino had been telling colleagues that he will likely leave in the new year, according to sources familiar with his thinking, but no official announcement has been made.
He has been slowly cleaning out his office, sources told ABC News.
President Donald Trump was asked by reporters about Bongino's future during a brief gaggle on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews Wednesday afternoon and replied, "Dan did a great job. I think he wanted to go back to his show," referring to the podcast Bongino formerly hosted.
In a post on X, Bongino thanked Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel "for the opportunity to serve with purpose."
"Most importantly, I want to thank you, my fellow Americans, for the privilege to serve you," he added.
"God bless America, and all those who defend Her," he added.
Bongino's future had been uncertain since July amid the fallout over the Justice Department's decision not to disclose any more records from its investigations into deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, multiple sources familiar with the matter confirmed to ABC News.
Sources said that Bongino had suggested to allies he might resign following the outrage over the announcement.
Bongino frequently touched on the Epstein case on his podcast.
In a 2023 episode, Bongino told listeners, "That Jeffrey Epstein story is a big deal ... Please do not let the story go," blaming people in the "Washington swamp who are not telling you the truth."
ABC News' Mike Levine contributed to this report.
