Dan Bongino Resigns as FBI Deputy Director

Was Bongino's resignation a principled stand against bureaucracy, or an escape from accountability?

Published 7 hours ago

Dan Bongino Resigns as FBI Deputy Director

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Above: Kash Patel and Dan Bongino at the U.S. Department of Justice on Dec. 4. Image credit: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc/Getty Images

The Spin

Republican narrative

Though initially a bold pick by President Trump, Bongino proved himself a clown obsessed with social media and personal branding rather than professional law enforcement. His arrogance, and focus on building his résumé rather than doing the job created a culture of mistrust. Public service suffered as ego-driven theatrics eclipsed duty, ethics and transparency. His resignation exposes someone who couldn't handle legitimate scrutiny and fled rather than face accountability for incompetence.

ThePatrioticBlonde on X New York Post

Democratic narrative

This politically motivated pick for the FBI was always going to end in tears. Trump selected Bongino based on his profile as a man paid to have controversial opinions that aligned with Trumpian ideals, despite his total lack of experience within the bureau. He was always a horrific pick for this role — devoid of any familiarity with the workings of the FBI and incapable of the diplomacy and communication skills demanded by leading it.

Guardian Politico

Establishment-critical narrative

Bongino's resignation reflects a principled stand against bureaucratic constraints, specifically the transparency he sought over the Epstein files. His operational leadership cleaned house and drove real improvements, but limited authority and internal resistance made civilian advocacy more effective for advancing truth and justice. The failure to hold corrupt officials accountable proved that government service couldn't match the impact of reaching millions through independent media.

David Phillips, LPC on X

Benny Johnson on X