Dan Bongino says he is resigning from the FBI

Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Dan Bongino has announced he will be stepping down as deputy director of the FBI, less than a year after assuming the position.

The former Secret Service agent-turned-right-wing pundit and podcaster announced he would be resigning in January on X, thanking President Donald Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel "for the opportunity to serve with purpose."

"God bless America, and all those who defend Her," he said.

Asked about Bongino's resignation, Trump told reporters at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, that he did "a great job."

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"I think he wants to go back to his show," he said.

Bongino was the right-wing host of The Dan Bongino Show in late February when Trump tapped him to serve as FBI deputy director, second only to Patel.

The pick continued a trend of Trump picking media personalities and loyalists with limited experience to fill cabinet and federal government positions in his new government.

A 12-year veteran of the Secret Service, Bongino rose in popularity through his show, which he used to spread conspiracy theories and attack Trump's detractors.

He prompted a conspiracy theory that the FBI was behind the planting of pipe bombs outside the Republican National Committee and Democratic National Committee ahead of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on Congress.

Bongino had said the lack of arrest suggested the insurrection was an "inside job." After joining the FBI, he assumed a leading role in the case, in which an arrest earlier this month. He has since walked back his previous comments.

His short tenure at the FBI was marked by infighting, notably over the FBI's investigation files on the late disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

In July, it was reported that Bongino was contemplating resigning following a clash with Bondi after she said there is no so-called client list, a well-trodded conspiracy theory that claims Epstein maintained a list of wealthy and influential people whom he provided sexual services from underage girls.

In a brief online statement Wednesday, Bondi thanked Bongino.

"Americans are safer because of @FBIDDBongino's service," she said.

Patel also thanked Bongino on Wednesday, calling him "the best partner I could've asked for in helping to restore this FBI."

"He not only completed his mission -- he far exceeded it," Patel said on X.

"We will miss him but I'm thankful he accepted the call to serve. Our country is better and safer for it."