Dan Bongino to Exit FBI, Signals Return to Radio

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, December 17, 2025 | 7:57pm CT

Dan Bongino

Dan Bongino, previously one of the most prominent conservative spoken-word voices in U.S. media, has confirmed he will leave his role at the Federal Bureau of Investigation in January, a move that points to a potential return to national radio.

Bongino announced his departure Tuesday on social media platform X, thanking former President Donald Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and FBI Director Kash Patel for the opportunity to serve. "Most importantly, I want to thank you, my fellow Americans, for the privilege to serve you," Bongino wrote.

Trump, who appointed Bongino as FBI deputy director earlier this year, said the decision was driven by Bongino's desire to return to broadcasting. Bongino had stepped away from his media duties after accepting the FBI post, including his syndicated radio show and podcast.

A former New York City police officer and U.S. Secret Service agent, Bongino served on presidential protection details for both George W. Bush and Barack Obama before transitioning into media. He has also mounted three congressional campaigns.

Prior to joining the FBI, Bongino hosted The Dan Bongino Show, syndicated nationally by Westwood One, and operated one of the most downloaded conservative podcasts in the U.S. Cumulus Media, which distributes Bongino's radio and podcast content, previously said it looked forward to welcoming him back following his government service.

Bongino's radio program debuted in May 2021 on 115 stations and grew to 356 affiliates, airing in nine of the top ten U.S. markets. His exit from the FBI clears the way for a possible return to radio stations nationwide, though no formal announcement about his broadcast plans has yet been made.