Bongino Drops Big Hint About Why He’s Leaving FBI

Outgoing FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino offered rare behind-the-scenes insight into his decision to leave the Trump administration during a candid appearance Friday morning on Fox & Friends, shedding light on what he suggested was the real personal cost behind his unexpected exit.

Bongino, a longtime Trump ally and prominent conservative voice, made clear that his departure was not driven by politics or resentment—but by the immense strain the role placed on his family.

“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,” Bongino said. “I did this and I’m proud I did it. But if you think we’re there for tea and crumpets…Well, I mean, Kash is there all day.

“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 continued.

“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,” Bongino continued. “I mean, you know, we love each other and it’s hard to be apart.”

His remarks underscored the personal sacrifices made by senior officials tasked with reforming institutions long criticized by conservatives for politicization and lack of accountability.

Bongino’s departure comes amid reported internal friction with Attorney General Pam Bondi over the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigative files. MSNBC Now previously reported that Bongino had told associates he planned to leave early next year and had begun clearing out his office, a claim later echoed by USA Today.

President Donald J. Trump—currently serving his second term—confirmed Bongino’s impending exit before Bongino publicly addressed it himself. In a post on X, Bongino expressed gratitude to Trump, Bondi, and FBI Director Kash Patel.

“Most importantly, I want to thank you, my fellow Americans, for the privilege to serve you,” Bongino wrote.

President Trump also praised Bongino when asked by reporters earlier this week.

“Dan did a great job,” Trump said, noting that Bongino was eager to return to his media work.

Before joining the FBI, Bongino built a massive following as a former Secret Service agent, New York City police officer, and host of The Dan Bongino Show, becoming a key figure within the Make America Great Again movement.

Since March, Bongino played a central role in overseeing sweeping changes at the FBI following President Trump’s appointment of Kash Patel as director. Several senior officials—including a former acting FBI director—were removed as part of an effort to root out what the administration described as entrenched political bias within the bureau.

Some of those officials later filed a federal lawsuit alleging unlawful termination.

Bongino’s tenure was also marked by controversy surrounding the Epstein case. Prior to joining the FBI, he was among the bureau’s fiercest critics, repeatedly questioning whether Epstein died by suicide in 2019 and suggesting a broader cover-up to protect powerful elites.

After assuming his role, however, Bongino stated he reviewed the relevant files and concluded Epstein died by suicide and did not maintain a so-called “client list.” In July, the FBI and Department of Justice announced they would not release additional Epstein materials following what they described as a comprehensive review—fueling backlash from some in Bongino’s former audience.

Subsequent reports indicated Bongino clashed with Attorney General Bondi over the decision, with conservative influencer Laura Loomer claiming on X that both Bongino and Patel were furious over the Justice Department’s handling of the matter.

Despite the controversy, Bongino’s comments Friday suggested his decision to step away was ultimately driven less by institutional battles and more by the toll of service—highlighting the often-overlooked human cost of high-stakes leadership in Washington.