FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino has announced his resignation from the bureau, just hours after Donald Trump appeared to suggest that Bongino was considering a return to his former role as a radio host. This development comes amid ongoing tensions regarding the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, which have recently drawn significant public attention.
Bongino confirmed his departure, stating that he would leave the FBI in January 2024. In his announcement, he expressed gratitude to Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and FBI Director Kash Patel for the opportunity to serve. He also extended his thanks to the American public: “Most importantly, I want to thank you, my fellow Americans, for the privilege to serve you,” he said, adding, “God bless America, and all those who defend Her.”
The timing of Bongino’s resignation seems critical, coinciding with a heightened manhunt for a suspect involved in a shooting incident at Brown University. Additionally, the latest batch of Epstein-related documents is expected to be released soon, further intensifying scrutiny on the FBI’s actions.
Reports indicate that Bongino had been contemplating his resignation following clashes with colleagues over the Justice Department’s handling of the Epstein files. Earlier this month, during a meeting with the FBI and DOJ, Bondi reportedly confronted Bongino and Patel regarding a story published by NewsNation. This report alleged that the FBI sought more information on the Epstein files, a request that was ultimately denied by the DOJ. Bondi inquired whether Bongino and Patel were responsible for this leak, an allegation Bongino denied.
In a related legal development, Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s former associate, has recently filed a habeas petition in a bid to overturn her sex trafficking conviction. Currently serving a 20-year sentence for her role in Epstein’s crimes, Maxwell claims that substantial new evidence has emerged which demonstrates she did not receive a fair trial.
The petition alleges that “exculpatory information” was withheld during the trial, stating, “This newly available evidence – derived from litigation against the Federal Bureau of Investigation, various financial institutions, and the Estate of Jeffrey Epstein, as well as from sworn depositions, released records, and other verified sources – shows that exculpatory information was withheld, false testimony presented, and material facts misrepresented to the jury and the Court.” Maxwell’s recent legal maneuver follows a series of unsuccessful attempts to appeal her conviction, and her petition comes just days before the deadline for the next release of Epstein-related documents.
Under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, the Justice Department is required to disclose “searchable and downloadable” copies of nearly all unclassified records related to Epstein and Maxwell. This includes FBI case files, search-warrant materials from raids on Epstein’s properties in Florida, New York, and his private island, Little Saint James. The upcoming release is expected to feature a range of documents, including interview memos, financial records, travel logs, internal communications from the Justice Department, and other relevant materials.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how Bongino’s departure will impact ongoing investigations and the public’s access to critical information regarding Epstein and his associates.
