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Dan Bongino made a fiery return to podcasting on February 2, 2026, launching his latest show after stepping down as FBI deputy director. His comeback featured a bold defense of the bureau’s Epstein probe and a rare Trump interview.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Return Date: The Dan Bongino Show relaunched on February 2, 2026, after 9 months
- Show Format: Two-hour daily podcast dropping Monday-Friday from 10 am-12 pm ET
- Platform: Exclusive video livestream on Rumble, audio on all major podcast platforms
- Viewership: Episode opened with 140,000 viewers, peaked at approximately 220,000
“The Podfather is Back” With Epic Comeback Episode
Dan Bongino declared “the podfather is back” during his February 2 return, immediately attacking critics and “grifters” he said hijacked his movement. The former FBI co-deputy director spent two hours addressing his base, defending his year at the bureau, and celebrating his return to independent media.
Bongino’s first episode opened with a massive Times Square billboard promoting his comeback. He defended himself against allegations of being a “sellout,” telling detractors to “pucker them up and plant a big wet one on my ass.” His aggressive return signaled no apologies for his controversial tenure.
Dan Bongino returns to podcasting, defends FBI’s Epstein probe handling
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FBI’s Epstein Investigation Defense Takes Center Stage
Bongino spent considerable time justifying the FBI‘s handling of the controversial Epstein files released in 2025. He described the situation as a “level 10 problem” with no ideal solution, explaining that the files “didn’t contain smoking guns” as many conspiracy theorists expected.
Previously, Bongino promoted theories that Epstein was murdered, but reversed course after reviewing actual evidence at the FBI. He stated emphatically, “What we thought was going to be in there wasn’t in there.” His defense marked a stark contrast to his pre-FBI rhetoric.
| Aspect | Details |
| Release Timeline | July 2025, video + joint FBI-DOJ memo |
| Key Finding | No tapes with crimes, no power list found |
| Bongino Position | Epstein died by suicide; release limited by legal issues |
| Response to Critics | Blamed “double or triple hearsay” claims |
Trump Dials In to Praise Podcast Over FBI Role
President Donald Trump briefly called into the show, offering striking commentary about Bongino’s future direction. “I was unhappy when you left the FBI, but I was happy you have your show,” Trump said during the interview segment.
Trump suggested that Bongino‘s voice in media was more valuable than his government role. “Very few people can do what you do,” Trump affirmed. The two discussed crime crackdowns, welfare fraud, and National Guard deployments during their conversation.
“I’m very torn. I think maybe I’d rather have you where you are, because it, you know, very few people can do what you do.”
— President Donald Trump, during call to The Dan Bongino Show
Controversy Marks Nine-Month FBI Tenure Behind Him
Bongino’s year as FBI deputy director was marked by conflicts with the Justice Department over the Epstein probe. In July 2025, Attorney General Pam Bondi clashed with him at a White House meeting over the agency’s handling of sensitive files.
He stepped down in January 2026 after his announced one-year commitment ended. On his return episode, Bongino criticized “leakers” who “destroyed” the bureau and attacked his predecessor FBI Director Kash Patel’s leadership. He pledged to defend his and Patel’s controversial use of social media during investigations.
What Does Bongino’s Two-Hour Daily Show Mean for Conservative Media?
The Dan Bongino Show now drops daily, making it one of the most ambitious right-wing media ventures in podcasting. With Cumulus Media‘s backing and Westwood One as exclusive sales partner, the show reaches audiences via Rumble, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeart.
The premiere pulled roughly 220,000 peak concurrent viewers, signaling sustained appetite for Bongino’s brand of fiery political commentary. His return raises questions about balance between government experience and media influence, and whether he’ll maintain his combative style or moderate following his FBI exposure to actual investigations and evidence.
Sources
- NBC News – FBI deputy director Dan Bongino’s return to podcasting with defense of Epstein handling
- Politico – Dan Bongino’s first podcast back with score-settling and Trump interview
- Cumulus Media – Official announcement of The Dan Bongino Show relaunch on February 2, 2026
