Fox News presenter Laura Ingraham has made pointed remarks about the imminent departure of FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino, following his announcement that he will leave the bureau next month.
A Swift Exit from the FBI
The 62-year-old Ingraham briefly addressed the news during the opening segment of Wednesday's edition of The Ingraham Angle. She noted the development as the day's first major administrative departure. Bongino, 51, who was a host for Fox News before joining the FBI in February, is stepping aside after only nine months in the role.
"And the first big departure from the administration was announced late today: After only nine months on the job, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino is stepping aside," Ingraham said in an upbeat tone about her former colleague. After a pause, she added, "Now, this is not surprising. He loved his lucrative media life, and he wants to get back to it."
Trump's Remarks and Bongino's Statement
Former President Donald Trump appeared to share a similar view. When asked about Bongino on Wednesday, prior to the deputy director's official announcement, Trump told reporters, "Dan did a great job. I think he wants to go back to his show."
Shortly after, Bongino confirmed the move in a post on X. In it, he thanked President Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and FBI Director Kash Patel "for the opportunity to serve with purpose." He stated his departure would be in January but has not yet revealed his future plans.
Internal Tensions and the Epstein Files
Bongino, once one of Fox News's most right-leaning hosts, was personally selected for the position by Trump. Both he and FBI Director Kash Patel, another Trump appointee, have faced criticism for the administration's handling of classified documents widely known as the Epstein Files.
The Department of Justice refused to release additional materials related to the convicted sex criminal over the summer. Bongino, a former NYPD officer and Secret Service agent, had relentlessly campaigned for the files' release during his media career and continued to do so on his popular podcast after leaving Fox News in early 2023.
According to reports, this stance put Bongino at odds with other administration officials. Sources indicated that a White House meeting in July, attended by Bongino, Attorney General Bondi, and chief of staff Susie Wiles, resulted in a confrontation following the DOJ's decision. Within weeks, Trump appointed Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey to the role of 'co-deputy' director.
Former Politico reporter Rachael Bade reported last week that Bongino maintained his push for the files' release and that members of Trump's inner circle believed he "could be out any day." CBS News had also reported in July that Bongino was considering leaving the bureau.
