Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino is expected to decide within the next few weeks whether he will remain at the bureau, according to two sources familiar with the matter. The sources told Fox News that reports claiming Bongino’s FBI office is empty are false, though they acknowledged that his departure remains a possibility. Another source said Bongino has not yet made a final decision about his future. In recent weeks, Bongino has faced growing criticism alongside FBI Director Kash Patel, particularly after a group of active-duty and retired FBI personnel released a report alleging the bureau lacks clear direction under its current leadership. Both Bongino and Patel rejected the report and defended reforms they say have strengthened accountability and public safety.
Bongino has publicly dismissed criticism from former agents and media figures, insisting the bureau’s leadership is focused on results. Responding to a New York Post column by Fox News contributor Miranda Devine that cited a 115-page internal report critical of Patel and Bongino, Bongino accused her of relying on gossip from disgruntled former employees opposed to reform. He said the FBI has implemented tougher performance standards, achieved cost savings, and adopted a mission-first culture. Bongino has argued that resistance comes from individuals loyal to the previous leadership model and that reforms will continue despite internal opposition.
Reports have also linked Bongino’s potential departure to clashes with the Trump administration over the handling of Jeffrey Epstein-related materials. Journalist Rachel Bade reported that Bongino angered senior officials over his response to the Epstein files and had a heated confrontation with Attorney General Pam Bondi after the DOJ and FBI issued a memo concluding there was no Epstein client list and that Epstein died by suicide. Axios reported Bongino briefly failed to report to work amid the dispute. Congress later passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act, leading to court orders unsealing grand jury transcripts and additional sealed materials related to Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.