FBI Director Kash Patel praised his second-in-command Deputy Director Dan Bongino as the "best partner," on Wednesday night, an hour after Bongino announced he was leaving the bureau next month. 

Bongino's expected departure comes after months of speculation over his future at the agency and came amid longstanding rumors of a rift with Attorney General Pam Bondi over her handling of the Epstein files.

Patel emphasized Bongino's legacy at the bureau, stating he "exceeded" his mission in helping to bring much-needed reform to the federal law enforcement agency.

"Dan is the best partner I could’ve asked for in helping restore this FBI," Patel posted on X. "He brought critical reforms to make the organization more efficient, led the successful Summer Heat op, served as the people’s voice for transparency, and delivered major breakthroughs in long unsolved cases like the pipe bomb investigation. 

"That’s only a small part of the work he went about every single day delivering for America," he continued. "He not only completed his mission - he far exceeded it. We will miss him but I’m thankful he accepted the call to serve. Our country is better and safer for it."

Bongino did not indicate what his future plans would be, nor did he comment on the reason for leaving the bureau. But the former media figure thanked the Trump administration, including Bondi, for letting him serve his country. 

The deputy director has served in his post since February. It is not clear who will replace Bongino, but former Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey is co-deputy director of the bureau. 

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.