Despite widespread speculation about Dan Bongino’s future at the FBI, no credible evidence supports claims that Trump’s controversial Deputy Director is being removed from his position.
Story Snapshot
- Bongino remains FBI Deputy Director despite creation of co-deputy structure with Andrew Bailey
- Polygraph waiver scandal and career staff purges fuel speculation about his standing
- Recent pipe bomb arrest provides political win that may strengthen his position
- Media rumors of his departure appear based on wishful thinking rather than facts
Bongino Survives Internal Pressure
Dan Bongino continues serving as FBI Deputy Director nearly ten months after President Trump appointed him to the position. The former conservative media host assumed office on March 17, 2025, bringing no FBI experience to the second-highest position in the Bureau. Despite facing criticism from career agents and congressional Democrats, Bongino has maintained Trump’s confidence while implementing sweeping changes across the organization.
Co-Deputy Structure Raises Questions
The Department of Justice announced in August 2025 that Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey would join Bongino as co-Deputy Director, creating an unprecedented power-sharing arrangement. This structural change sparked speculation that the White House had lost faith in Bongino’s leadership capabilities. However, ProPublica confirmed that despite the co-deputy arrangement, Bongino “remains in the job” and continues overseeing daily FBI operations alongside Bailey.
Polygraph Waivers Create Security Concerns
Recent investigations revealed that FBI Director Kash Patel waived polygraph screening requirements for Bongino and other senior staff despite “disqualifying alerts” appearing on initial examinations. Senate Judiciary Committee member Dick Durbin called these waivers “deeply alarming,” highlighting potential security vulnerabilities at the highest levels of federal law enforcement. The polygraph controversy adds to mounting criticism of the Patel-Bongino leadership team’s departure from traditional FBI protocols.
Under Bongino’s tenure, the FBI has reportedly removed over 50 career officials, including senior counterterrorism and intelligence leaders. Former acting FBI Director Brian Driscoll filed a lawsuit alleging illegal political loyalty tests and wrongful termination. These personnel changes reflect the administration’s broader effort to reshape the Bureau’s culture and eliminate perceived “deep state” elements within federal law enforcement.
Recent Victories Bolster Position
Bongino received public recognition from Attorney General Pam Bondi following the December 4, 2025 arrest of Brian Cole Jr. in connection with the January 5, 2021 RNC/DNC pipe bomb case. Bondi credited both Bongino and Patel for the breakthrough, claiming the case had “languished” under previous leadership. This high-profile arrest provides ammunition for defenders who argue the new leadership team delivers results that career bureaucrats failed to achieve.
The speculation about Bongino’s potential departure appears driven more by opposition hopes than factual reporting. His appointment represents Trump’s commitment to installing loyal allies in key positions, and removing him would signal weakness in the face of establishment resistance. Bongino’s survival through multiple controversies demonstrates his secure standing within Trump’s inner circle and the administration’s determination to maintain control over federal law enforcement agencies.
Sources:
FBI Kash Patel Dan Bongino Waived Polygraph – ProPublica
Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Wikipedia
