Dan Bongino Resigns as FBI Deputy Director to Resume Media Career Amidst Gaetz Feud
Washington D.C., Wednesday, 7 January 2026.
Bongino exits the FBI for podcasting after a brief tenure. The move follows a public feud where he labeled Matt Gaetz a “suckling little doggie” and referenced “shady parties.”
Return to Private Life Amidst Political Turbulence
Dan Bongino has officially concluded his tenure as Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, stepping down on January 3, 2026, to return to his roots in conservative media [5]. The departure, which Bongino signaled in mid-December 2025, ends a stint in the Trump administration that began in March 2025 [1][4]. President Donald Trump acknowledged the move, stating his belief that the former Secret Service agent wished to return to his broadcasting career [4]. While Bongino publicly described his time in the administration as the “experience of a lifetime,” he had previously admitted in May 2025 that he did not enjoy the role, noting the difficulties of implementing changes within the organization [1][6]. His exit leaves Andrew Bailey, who was appointed co-deputy director in September 2025, as a remaining figure in the bureau’s leadership structure [4].
Escalating Tensions with Matt Gaetz
Bongino’s transition back to civilian life was immediately marked by a high-profile public conflict with former Florida Representative Matt Gaetz on January 6, 2026 [3]. The dispute erupted on social media platform X when Gaetz utilized the AI tool Grok to mock Bongino’s history of electoral losses [2]. In a sharp retort, Bongino labeled Gaetz a “suckling little doggie” and a “phony,” attributing his own political defeats to a refusal to engage in “shady parties with monied insiders”—a veiled reference to allegations of misconduct that previously derailed Gaetz’s bid for Attorney General [2][3]. Gaetz defended his record by asserting he was the only Republican in Congress to refuse lobbyist and PAC donations, questioning the animosity behind Bongino’s attacks [2].
Internal Friction and Policy Disputes
Beyond personal rivalries, Bongino’s time at the FBI was characterized by friction regarding sensitive Department of Justice investigations. Reports indicate that in July 2025, Bongino clashed with Attorney General Pam Bondi over the handling of records related to the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking investigation [6]. This internal discord highlights the challenges the administration has faced in reconciling the populist demands of its base with the procedural realities of federal law enforcement. Bongino framed his approach as “outfighting” to remove harmful elements, yet his tenure was ultimately short-lived, lasting less than a year [5][6]. Senator Chuck Schumer has seized on the administration’s handling of these files, questioning what officials might be trying to hide regarding the slow-moving investigation [1].
Looking Toward the 2026 Midterms
As Bongino prepares to relaunch his media presence, he has emphasized the necessity of Republican unity approaching the 2026 midterm elections [2][5]. Despite his aggressive exchange with Gaetz, Bongino warned supporters against allowing the “Make America Great Again” movement to be hijacked by pessimists, or “blackpillers,” urging a focus on the upcoming electoral challenges [2]. While the Westwood One radio network had previously filled Bongino’s time slot with Vince Coglianese, the former deputy director has promised imminent announcements regarding new content, signaling a swift re-entry into the political commentary sphere [1][5].