Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino is currently evaluating his position within the Federal Bureau of Investigation and may decide on his future with the agency in the coming weeks, as indicated by two sources familiar with his thoughts who spoke to Fox News. These sources refuted claims that Bongino's office is unoccupied, although they confirmed that the possibility of his departure is under consideration.
Bongino has not yet made a definitive decision about his tenure, according to a source briefed on the matter. His period as Deputy Director, along with FBI Director Kash Patel's leadership, has been the subject of intense scrutiny. Early in the month, a group consisting of both active-duty and retired FBI personnel disseminated findings that portrayed the bureau as lacking a coherent direction under the current leadership.
Both Bongino and Patel have firmly defended the reforms they have instituted, arguing that these changes have led to significant enhancements in accountability and public safety outcomes. Bongino articulated his stance to Fox News, emphasizing their commitment to the American people and detailing the achievements of the new leadership team, which includes heightened accountability, stricter performance standards, and a more focused mission-driven culture.
An internal document of 115 pages, compiled by FBI active-duty personnel along with retired agents and analysts, was reported on by New York Post columnist and Fox contributor Miranda Devine. This document sharply criticized the leadership of both Patel and Bongino post their appointments. Bongino issued a vehement response, accusing Devine of undermining the reform efforts via anecdotal reports from unsatisfied ex-employees.
Bongino took to the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) to express his views on the matter, calling out Devine for her attempts to discredit the reforms through her journalism, which he claims lacks substance when scrutinized closely.
The tension within the FBI is indicative of a broader debate over the agency's trajectory and philosophy of operation. Bongino and Patel view their reform agenda as a vital overhaul necessary to address deep-rooted issues within the FBI that date back to previous administrations, specifically referencing the "old Comey–Wray model," alluding to former FBI Directors James Comey and Christopher Wray. Their tenures became controversial topics regarding the bureau's handling of high-profile cases and its perceived political neutrality.
Supporters of the current leadership posit that the changes are long-overdue accountability measures that are restoring public trust in federal law enforcement. On the contrary, some within the FBI argue that the reforms have led to instability and have compromised the established processes that have historically ensured the bureau's efficacy.
