Former deputy FBI director Dan Bongino is preparing to return to the airwaves after stepping down from his law enforcement post last month, marking a transition back to the podcasting and radio career that made him a nationally recognized conservative commentator. Bongino’s comeback is scheduled for February 2, when he will resume hosting his popular show on Rumble, which streams the program online, with availability on other major platforms including Apple Music and Spotify. The show is slated to air weekdays from 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. EST.
Bongino, a former law enforcement officer and Secret Service agent, first gained national attention as a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump during the 2016 campaign and throughout Trump’s first term. He built a substantial following through his podcast and video show, which he launched after unsuccessful congressional runs in 2012, 2014, and 2016. His commentary has often blended political analysis with conservative advocacy, earning him a prominent role in national political discourse and a devoted audience.
In March, Bongino temporarily set aside his media work to assume the role of deputy FBI director. His tenure lasted just 10 months, concluding in December 2025. The departure came without a formal explanation, but reports suggest his time at the bureau was marked by internal conflicts and challenges navigating administrative responsibilities.
Sources indicate that Bongino’s relationship with Attorney General Pam Bondi became strained over the summer, particularly regarding the government’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. Bondi had publicly promised disclosures related to the files from the high-profile case, but no substantive releases materialized. Conservative commentators, including Bongino, expressed frustration with the perceived lack of transparency, generating tension within the FBI’s senior leadership.
According to multiple reports, Bongino’s disagreement with Bondi escalated in July, leading to at least one day when he did not report for work. That absence fueled speculation about his eventual resignation and highlighted underlying friction between career law enforcement responsibilities and his previous role as a politically active commentator. In August, the bureau appointed Missouri General Andrew Bailey as co-deputy director, requiring Bongino to share his administrative duties. Some observers suggested that this change may have alleviated part of the workload that Bongino had expressed dissatisfaction with, but it did little to resolve ongoing concerns about the alignment of his role with his personal and political priorities.
Throughout his short tenure at the FBI, Bongino’s transition from media to federal leadership drew attention from both supporters and critics. In May 2025, prior to assuming his position, he had expressed to Fox & Friends that taking the deputy director role required significant personal sacrifice, noting that he “gave up everything” to take the job. The comments drew mockery from detractors online but were embraced by his base as a sign of commitment to public service. Despite these declarations, the challenges of balancing bureaucratic responsibilities with his high-profile political persona appear to have contributed to his decision to step down.
Upon leaving the FBI last month, Bongino publicly expressed gratitude to President Donald Trump, Attorney General Bondi, and FBI Director Kash Patel for the opportunity to serve. While the announcement did not elaborate on his reasons for resigning, statements from the president suggested that the transition back to media was expected. Trump told reporters, “Dan did a great job. I think he wants to go back to his show,” highlighting the amicable nature of the departure and Bongino’s continued alignment with the administration’s broader political messaging.
Bongino’s return to broadcasting represents a significant development in the conservative media landscape. His prior show combined political analysis, commentary on national security issues, and personal insights drawn from his experience in law enforcement. Over the years, his platform has reached millions of listeners and viewers, solidifying his reputation as one of the most influential voices in conservative talk media.
The timing of Bongino’s return also coincides with a politically charged period, with midterm elections approaching and heightened public attention on issues including national security, law enforcement, and federal oversight. Observers note that his unique blend of law enforcement experience and political commentary positions him to influence public discourse and mobilize his audience on these key topics.
Rumble’s announcement confirms that Bongino’s show will maintain its weekday schedule, providing consistent engagement for his audience during the critical morning hours. In addition to his broadcast on Rumble, the program’s availability on Apple Music and Spotify ensures a wide-reaching digital presence, allowing listeners to access content on demand across multiple platforms. This multi-platform approach reflects Bongino’s strategic focus on maximizing audience reach and maintaining his influence in both traditional radio and emerging digital media spaces.
Industry analysts have pointed to Bongino’s media return as part of a broader trend of political figures leveraging prior government service to enhance credibility and authority in the commentary space. By drawing on his recent experience within the FBI, Bongino can offer insights that differentiate his program from other conservative talk shows, providing analysis that blends operational knowledge with political interpretation.
Critics, however, have questioned the potential for conflicts of interest arising from his transition from federal service back into political commentary. They argue that the immediacy of moving from an executive law enforcement role into a highly partisan media environment raises questions about confidentiality, impartiality, and the appropriate boundaries for former officials engaging in public political discourse. Supporters, in contrast, emphasize Bongino’s credentials, highlighting his decades of law enforcement experience and his familiarity with national security issues as assets that enhance the credibility of his analysis.
Bongino’s planned return has also generated anticipation among his fan base, which has consistently supported his podcast and commentary through subscriptions, donations, and engagement across social media. His ability to build a highly interactive community of listeners has been a cornerstone of his media strategy, and the upcoming broadcast is expected to reignite engagement among loyal followers while attracting new listeners drawn by his FBI experience.
While details of the show’s content remain under wraps, early indications suggest that Bongino will continue his prior format, including political analysis, commentary on national security matters, and discussion of current events. Industry insiders anticipate that segments reflecting on his experiences within the FBI and his perspectives on ongoing federal operations will be a particular draw for the audience, providing unique insights unavailable through conventional news outlets.
Bongino’s departure from the FBI after just 10 months underscores the challenges faced by high-profile political figures transitioning into senior law enforcement roles. The need to balance bureaucratic responsibilities with public visibility, media commitments, and political alignment proved to be a difficult combination, ultimately resulting in his decision to return to the platform that initially brought him national prominence.
As he prepares to resume his show on February 2, Bongino will step back into the conservative media spotlight, bringing with him fresh perspectives from his tenure at the FBI. His audience is expected to respond enthusiastically, and his influence within political commentary circles is likely to expand as the program resumes its daily broadcasts.
In summary, Dan Bongino’s scheduled return to radio and podcasting represents the culmination of a brief but notable detour into federal law enforcement leadership. With his show set to stream on Rumble and other major platforms, he is poised to resume shaping conservative discourse at a time of heightened political interest, leveraging his unique combination of law enforcement experience, media savvy, and national recognition to connect with audiences and continue influencing public debate.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
