• FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino announces he will resign in January.
• His tenure has been marked by controversy and clashes with the Justice Department.
• President Trump confirmed Bongino's departure, suggesting he wants to return to podcasting.
• Bongino's appointment was criticized due to his lack of FBI experience.
• He previously fueled conspiracy theories as a podcast host, impacting his role at the FBI.

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino has announced he will resign from his position in January, concluding a high-profile tenure marked by his contentious actions and statements. Bongino expressed gratitude in a social media post, saying, "I want to thank President Trump, AG Bondi, and Director Patel for the opportunity to serve with purpose," and emphasized his desire to serve the American people. He has been seen gradually clearing out his office, suggesting the finality of his departure according to CBS News and Reuters.

Bongino's tenure has been filled with controversy, particularly regarding his handling of sensitive issues, including his previous comments about the Jeffrey Epstein case. While he initially questioned the official ruling of Epstein's death being a suicide, he later stated, “I've seen the whole file. He killed himself," highlighting the shift in his stance as an FBI official, according to Los Angeles Times and NPR.

President Trump has publicly supported Bongino, confirming expectations of his resignation and suggesting that Bongino "wants to go back to his show," referencing Bongino's podcasting career before taking the FBI role. Bongino's background as a podcast host often led him to push controversial theories, including narratives surrounding January 6 events and criticisms of the FBI, according to South China Morning Post and India Times.

Bongino's resignation coincides with ongoing scrutiny of FBI leadership and internal turmoil, especially revolving around the Trump administration's handling of high-profile cases. Bongino was considered an unconventional choice for the deputy role given his lack of prior FBI experience, which was criticized within law enforcement circles according to India Times and BBC.