Christopher Raia, the FBI’s New York field office chief, has been appointed co‑deputy director and will relocate to Washington, D.C., to begin the role on Monday alongside Andrew Bailey. His appointment follows Dan Bongino’s Jan. 3 departure; Bongino, a Trump appointee and former conservative commentator, said he was returning to "civilian life." The transition comes amid earlier reported tensions between Bongino and Attorney General Pam Bondi over Epstein document releases.
FBI Appoints Christopher Raia Co‑Deputy Director After Dan Bongino's Departure
FBI names Christopher Raia co-deputy director after Dan Bongino's departure
The FBI has named veteran agent Christopher Raia as a co‑deputy director, the agency confirmed to Fox News Digital on Friday. Raia currently leads the FBI’s New York field office and will relocate to Washington, D.C., to begin his new role on Monday, sharing co‑deputy responsibilities with Andrew Bailey.
FBI veteran Christopher G. Raia, left, has been named co-deputy director of the law enforcement agency, the FBI confirmed to Fox News Digital.
Background and Transition
Raia’s promotion follows the departure of Dan Bongino, whose final day as deputy director was Jan. 3. Bongino — a former conservative commentator and podcaster who was appointed to the role by President Donald Trump — announced he was leaving to return to what he called "civilian life."
Former FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino left earlier this month.
Bongino’s Statement
"It’s been an incredible year thanks to the leadership and decisiveness of President Trump," Bongino wrote on X. "It was the honor of a lifetime to work with Director [Kash] Patel, and to serve you, the American people. See you on the other side."
Context
When announcing his exit, Bongino thanked President Trump, Director Kash Patel and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi "for the opportunity to serve with purpose." Earlier reporting said Bongino and Bondi had clashed over the release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein; a source told Fox News over the summer that Bongino had at one point considered resigning over the Justice Department’s handling of the matter.
Raia is the head of the FBI's New York office.
Bongino did not provide a formal explanation for stepping down less than a year into his tenure, though President Trump later said Bongino "wants to go back to his show." The FBI said Raia will assume co‑deputy duties beginning Monday as the bureau continues its leadership transition.
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