President Donald Trump confirmed Wednesday that Dan Bongino is heading back to conservative media, wrapping up a short but bumpy ride as the FBI's deputy director. The move comes after Bongino announced his January resignation, ending an unconventional chapter for the bureau's second-highest position.

A Brief Return to Media

"Dan did a great job. I think he wants to go back to his show," Trump told reporters Wednesday, according to Reuters. Bongino confirmed the departure on X, thanking "President Trump, AG Bondi, and Director Patel for the opportunity to serve with purpose." Sources told Reuters that Bongino had already packed up his office.

Patel's Glowing Review

FBI Director Kash Patel, who selected Bongino for the deputy role in February 2025, offered high praise for his departing partner. "Dan is the best partner I could've asked for in helping restore this FBI," Patel wrote on X. "He brought critical reforms to make the organization more efficient, led the successful Summer Heat op, served as the people's voice for transparency, and delivered major breakthroughs in long unsolved cases like the pipe bomb investigation."

"He not only completed his mission – he far exceeded it," Patel added.

An Unusual Pick From the Start

Bongino's appointment raised eyebrows from day one. The deputy director role typically goes to career FBI agents, not media personalities. The FBI Agents Association, representing roughly 14,000 current and former agents, publicly objected to his selection.

Before joining the FBI, Bongino worked as a New York City police officer and Secret Service agent, then unsuccessfully ran for Congress in both Maryland and Florida. He built a massive conservative media following during Trump's first term through radio, podcasting, and Fox News appearances. He now commands about 7 million followers on X.

Early Exit Signals

According to reports, Bongino began rethinking the job by July after clashing with Attorney General Pam Bondi over handling Epstein-related files. During his tenure, he walked back several past claims from his media days. He reversed his doubts about Jeffrey Epstein's death, stating, "The evidence we have in our files clearly indicates that it was, in fact, a suicide." He also backed away from earlier suggestions of a "massive cover-up" in the unsolved D.C. pipe-bomb case, hinting he might return to commentary "one day."

That day, apparently, is coming sooner than expected.