Friday marked the final episode of The Dan Bongino Show on Westwood One, as host Dan Bongino concluded his tenure with the network to take on a new role as Deputy Director of the FBI. This departure signifies a major career shift for Bongino, a prominent conservative media personality, former Secret Service agent, and New York Times bestselling author, who has built a substantial following through his syndicated radio program and podcast.
Bongino’s exit from Westwood One, a division of Cumulus Media, comes after President Donald Trump announced on February 23, 2025, that he had selected Bongino for the FBI’s second-in-command position, serving under newly confirmed Director Kash Patel.
The final broadcast capped a run that began in March 2021, when Bongino took over the coveted noon-to-3 p.m. ET slot previously held by Rush Limbaugh following Limbaugh’s death. Over the years, The Dan Bongino Show grew from 115 affiliates to over 350, becoming a powerhouse in conservative talk radio and a top-ranking podcast, often placing near the top of national charts.
The show, known for its fiery political commentary and Bongino’s critiques of both liberal and establishment Republican rhetoric, also featured a one-hour daily podcast distributed by the Cumulus Podcast Network.
I'm not crying, you're crying!
— Krista Monroe (@MsKristaMonroe) March 14, 2025
Okay, I am crying. 😭
I think we all are.
What a bittersweet moment.
An emotional Dan Bongino salutes and sounds off on his last broadcast before switching into Deputy Director mode, which requires apolitical decorum online.
Don't worry, sir.… pic.twitter.com/7clFUc2gqf
In his farewell episode, Bongino addressed his audience with emotion, reflecting on the journey that began in a Maryland basement and grew into a multimedia phenomenon. “It’s not easy to walk away from,” he said, choking up as he thanked his listeners—whom he affectionately calls the “Bongino Army”—for their support over the years. He emphasized that the decision to leave was driven by a sense of duty rather than financial gain, noting, “Money and all that other crap? Who gives a damn about any of that stuff? We’ll figure that out later.” Bongino framed his move to the FBI as an opportunity to “actually change” the issues he’d long discussed, rather than just talk about them, a sentiment echoed in a clip he played from a 2014 Heritage Foundation speech about the need for people to step up and effect change.
The transition wasn’t abrupt. Bongino had been preparing his audience since the announcement, using his final weeks to wind down contractual obligations with advertisers and ensure a smooth handoff. He revealed plans for his media ventures to continue under a new banner, Silverloch Productions, led by his wife, Paula Bongino, who will oversee a broader stable of talent. To replace him in the 12-3 p.m. slot, Westwood One tapped Vince Coglianese, a Washington, D.C.-based host from WMAL, who will launch The Vince Show on Monday, March 17, 2025. Coglianese, a frequent guest host for Bongino, will also produce a daily podcast, Vince, in collaboration with Silverloch, maintaining continuity for Bongino’s audience.
Cumulus Media issued a statement celebrating Bongino’s contributions: “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dan Bongino on his decision to take on the role of Deputy Director of the FBI. Dan has entertained and informed tens of millions of listeners every day, and we are grateful for our successful partnership. We look forward to welcoming Dan back in the future.” The company acknowledged the financial hit, estimating a $15 million revenue loss in 2025 due to his departure, underscoring his significant draw.
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