Dan Bongino’s position as FBI Deputy Director is hanging by a thread as tensions within the White House grow over the fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
Despite President Donald Trump publicly standing by Bongino, sources tell CNN that his relationship with the White House has become “basically untenable.” Whether Bongino chooses to resign or not, it’s clear he won’t last long in his current role.
The trouble began last week when Bongino reportedly left Washington in anger over Attorney General Pam Bondi’s handling of the Epstein probe. Since then, he hasn’t been in touch with top Justice Department officials. Bongino has privately suggested that if Bondi stays in her position, he can’t continue either.
Trump, eager to move past the Epstein story, reportedly grew angry with Bongino and FBI Director Kash Patel as the drama unfolded. Vice President JD Vance even stepped in to try and ease the conflict, but Bongino’s standing remains weak.
CNN’s report, written by Kaitlan Collins, Kristen Holmes, Evan Perez, and Paula Reid, says, “It remains to be seen if Bongino ultimately resigns, which he told others he was considering. But sources say his relationship with the White House has become basically untenable. Even if he does not quit now, some inside the administration believe he will not stay in the job long-term.”
In public, Trump praised Bongino on Sunday, telling reporters, “I spoke to him today, Dan Bongino, very good guy. I’ve known him a long time. I’ve done his show many, many times. He sounded terrific, actually. No, I think he’s in good shape.”
But behind the scenes, the president appears to be siding with Bondi. Trump showed strong support for the attorney general over the weekend and even appeared publicly with her at a soccer match. Bondi’s allies told The New York Times that Bongino has “burned his bridges” and won’t stay on.
The Epstein fallout has made Bongino’s job all but impossible. With the White House divided, his time at the FBI looks limited—regardless of what Trump says publicly.
