Dan Bongino has always been in news for his bold statements and strong conservative voice, but 2025 has been one of his most dramatic year yet. From radio host to FBI deputy, and now the center of a White House storm, Bongino’s journey is anything but boring.
Who Is Dan Bongino?
Born December 4, 1974, in Queens, New York, Dan Bongino started his career as a New York City cop in the mid-90s. He then moved up to become a U.S. Secret Service agent, serving under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, often risking his life on presidential protective details.
After his time in law enforcement, Bongino became a prominent conservative commentator and launched The Dan Bongino Show, which became a massive hit among right-leaning audiences. Though he tried three times to win a Congressional seat, each run was unsuccessful.
Climbing the Ranks: From Podcaster to the FBI
In February 2025, President Donald Trump made headlines by naming Bongino as Deputy Director of the FBI, working alongside Director Kash Patel. This surprise appointment capped off Bongino’s years-long transition from media figure to high government office.
Trump praised Bongino’s dedication, noting his policing, Secret Service, and media career. Bongino, for his part, said he would give up his podcasting and media roles for his new post—at least for now.
At the Eye of the Epstein Files Storm
Just months into his new job, Bongino has become a news figure again, locked in a heated controversy linked to the Justice Department’s review of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. The DOJ and FBI released a memo this July stating there’s no “client list” and that Epstein’s death was suicide—not murder—a conclusion that angered a chunk of Trump’s base who wanted more explosive secrets revealed.
Bongino reportedly had a fierce confrontation with Attorney General Pam Bondi. In a tense White House meeting, Bongino threatened to quit unless Bondi was fired for what he saw as a mishandling of the Epstein files, and he didn’t show up to work the following day.
Some sources say Trump was infuriated by the turmoil and that Bongino is now weighing resignation. Others in the administration, meanwhile, claim he’s being made the scapegoat for the situation.
Bongino’s Own Words and Outlook
While Bongino has not made a public statement about leaving, insiders say he’s “absolutely livid.” Still, the official White House line is that everyone is “committed to working as a team” despite deep tensions. Bondi, for her part, dodged questions about Bongino and the Epstein fallout at a press conference this week.
What’s Next?
Bongino’s future at the FBI remains up in the air. Will he resign or will Trump work to patch things up? One thing is clear: Dan Bongino never stays out of the spotlight for long, and this current drama is likely not the last chapter in his controversial career.
Dan Bongino’s story this year shows how fast things can change in Washington—and how a single personality can set off a political firestorm few saw coming.