Conservative commentator and former Secret Service agent Dan Bongino made a highly anticipated return to his podcast on February 2, 2026, after resigning from his brief stint as FBI Deputy Director. Bongino, who had built a massive following by promoting theories about the “deep state” and criticizing federal agencies, surprised many by defending the FBI’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files during his first episode back.
Bongino’s journey to the FBI began in early 2025 when he was appointed Deputy Director under the Trump administration, a move hailed by his fans as a chance to expose alleged cover-ups, including those surrounding Epstein’s death and associated documents. However, his nine-month tenure was marked by internal clashes and public admissions of dissatisfaction. In May 2025, he openly stated on Fox News that he disliked the job and had “given up everything” for it. By December 2025, amid ongoing controversy over the Justice Department’s refusal to release more Epstein files, Bongino resigned, fueling speculation about a podcast revival.
In his comeback episode on Rumble, Bongino addressed the Epstein files head-on, revealing that upon gaining access during his FBI role, he found no evidence of the explosive materials he had previously speculated about. “The FBI doesn’t have the evidence many thought it did… There were not tapes with powerful men raping kids. There was not a list,” he stated, describing the situation as a “level 10 problem” with no easy solutions. He dismissed conspiracy theories he once amplified, explaining that much of Epstein’s “rolodex” was already public and that unreleasable portions protected ongoing investigations or privacy. The show also featured an interview with President Trump and dealt with technical glitches, adding to the raw, unfiltered vibe Bongino’s audience craves.
The return has sparked mixed reactions. Former supporters accused him of being a “sellout” for backtracking on his rhetoric, with online backlash labeling him a “grifter.” Critics from the left, meanwhile, pointed to his history of stoking unfounded claims about Epstein’s suicide and other events. Bongino fired back at detractors, claiming they “just don’t want me to talk” and expressing relief at being back in Florida with his family.
Bongino’s pivot highlights the challenges of transitioning from media firebrand to government insider. As he resumes his role as the “podfather,” his commentary on the Epstein files—once a rallying cry for transparency—now serves as a defense of the very institution he vilified, leaving fans and foes alike questioning his evolution.
SOURCES:
Dan Bongino Biography Flash: F… – Dan Bongino – Biography Flash – Apple Podcasts
Dan Bongino, Former Deputy F.B.I. Director, Returns to Podcasting – The New York Times
Dan Bongino returns to podcasting with a defense of the FBI’s handling of the Epstein files
Dan Bongino vilified the FBI, then led it. His audience has questions. – The Washington Post
Ex-FBI Deputy Dan Bongino Is Psyched to Be Back Podcasting
Dan Bongino Walks Back Through the FBI-Podcaster Revolving Door | Vanity Fair
Dan Bongino’s first podcast back: Score-settling, technical glitches and a Trump interview – POLITICO
