FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino announced he will step down from the bureau in January, thanking President Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and FBI Director Kash Patel for the opportunity to serve.

Bongino was an unconventional choice for the role, as neither he nor Patel had prior FBI experience, and he was better known as a pro-Trump podcaster and former law enforcement officer.

His tenure was marked by controversy, including criticism of the FBI he once labeled “weaponized,” and clashes with Justice Department leadership over the Jeffrey Epstein files.

Despite the turbulence, his time in office also included major developments such as the arrest of the suspect accused of planting pipe bombs ahead of the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, NPR has reported.

Trump praised Bongino’s performance, suggesting he plans to return to media work.