In a significant development within the upper echelons of US law enforcement, Dan Bongino, the Deputy Director of the FBI, confirmed on Wednesday 17 December that he will step down from his role in January. The announcement, made via a social media statement, marks the departure of a key figure appointed under the Trump administration.
Bongino's Exit and Presidential Commentary
Bongino, a former Secret Service agent who later became a prominent conservative podcaster before joining the FBI, expressed gratitude in his statement. He specifically thanked President Donald Trump, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Attorney General Pam Bondi. Reports had previously indicated tensions with Bondi over her handling of files related to the federal investigation into the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
When questioned by reporters about the impending resignation earlier on Wednesday, President Trump offered his perspective. "Dan did a great job," Trump stated, adding, "I think he wants to go back to his show." This comment alludes to Bongino's media career prior to his government service. The news outlet MS Now had initially reported that Bongino had quietly informed confidants of his plan to leave early in the new year and would not be returning to the bureau's headquarters this month.
A Day of Major Political Moves
The resignation was one of several consequential events in Washington on Wednesday 17 December. In a move reflecting the president's personal stamp on the White House, officials revised the "Presidential Walk of Fame." Plaques beneath portraits of former presidents were altered to include President Trump's assessments, such as branding his likely 2024 election opponent, Joe Biden, as "the worst president in American history."
On Capitol Hill, four Republican members broke with their party leadership to join Democrats in forcing a vote on a bill to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies for three years. This represented a setback for House Speaker Mike Johnson, as the existing tax credits are set to expire at the end of the year.
Policy Shifts and Confirmations
Further policy changes were announced, including the Trump administration's decision to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Colorado. Russell Vought, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, accused the climate research centre of "alarmism."
Meanwhile, the Senate confirmed billionaire private astronaut Jared Isaacman as the new NASA administrator, an ally of SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. In other news, a federal judge moved to block the administration from laying off hundreds of federal employees, and the Department of Health and Human Services terminated grants to the American Academy of Pediatrics following its criticisms of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The day concluded with the Senate passing a $901 billion defence policy bill, which includes support for Ukraine and Europe, sending it to the President's desk for his expected signature.
