The Rubin Report – Episode Summary

Episode: Is This the Real Reason Bongino Is Leaving the FBI?
Host: Dave Rubin
Air Date: December 18, 2025

Overview

In the final live episode of the year, Dave Rubin tackles major political and cultural developments in America with his characteristic irreverence and bluntness. The central theme is the resignation of Dan Bongino as Deputy Director of the FBI, speculating on the real reasons and significance behind his departure. The episode also covers ongoing political battles, media criticism, left vs. right culture wars, immigration, welfare, crime, health care reform, and more. Rubin highlights key voices lost or missing from the public discourse and calls for renewed engagement heading into America’s 250th year.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Dan Bongino’s Resignation from the FBI

• Announcement: Bongino leaves his Deputy Director post at the FBI in January, plans to return to his radio show and podcast.
• Rubin’s Reflection:
  • Emphasizes Bongino’s sacrifices and integrity, noting the challenge of Republicans taking high-profile government roles due to media scrutiny.
  • “He is an absolute straight shooter... For him to jump into a government job was not... easy for anyone.” (10:16)
  • Notes the absence of other significant conservative voices (Prager, Kirk, Peterson) this year and the increased responsibility he and others now feel.
• Endorsement from Kash Patel (read on air):
  • Lists Bongino’s successful reforms, key operations, and breakthroughs such as the January 6th pipe bomb investigation.
• Trump’s Comment:
  • “Dan did a great job. I think he wants to go back to his show... I don't think there's a scandal here.” (13:12)
  • Rubin agrees, shutting down speculation about any ulterior motives or scandals.

Memorable Bongino Quote:

• “I gave up everything for this... my wife is struggling, and I'm not a victim... But if you think we're there for tea and crumpets... [it’s] hard.” (17:52)

2. Media and Public Critique

Rubin notes criticism from both sides during Bongino’s tenure, reminding listeners that reforming institutions takes time and rarely makes headlines.

• John Solomon (Journalist), on Bongino's FBI legacy:
  • “He did the job... Get rid of the bad eggs... Solve some of these lingering issues like the January 6th case, and then go back to your job if you want to.” (26:20)

3. Left vs. Right Culture War Escalations

Ilhan Omar Allegations & Welfare Debate

• Omar claims ICE profiled her son—federal agencies deny. Rubin accuses media and Omar of playing PR games and misleading the public.
  • Critiques Omar's defense of Somali-American assimilation rates, using stats from Elon Musk’s AI Grok.
  • Welfare dependency highlighted: 81% of Somali families in Minnesota on welfare, compared to 21% of US families.
  • “She's up there, ‘we're doctors, right?’ And it's like, no, your doctors at a way less fraction…” (41:22)

Congress’s Responses to Threats

• Debbie Wasserman Schultz suggests Trump, not jihad or Islamism, is the biggest threat to democracy—a position Rubin excoriates.
  • “Debbie Wasserman Schultz is a case of Jews can also be retarded. You don’t get that many retarded Jews as far as I know...” (49:12)
  • Notes Jordan Peterson’s absence and importance, quoting his critique of Western/Islamic values clash. (54:30)

Rising Progressive Figures

• Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) leads JD Vance in hypothetical 2028 poll.
  • Rubin expresses concern about style-over-substance politicians: “She’s good for television… but she’s a destroyer. They cannot build anything.” (01:03:11)
  • AOC vs. Elon Musk exchange discussed, with Rubin citing thought leaders defending Musk’s intelligence.

Gender and Trans Policy

• Updates on Congressional votes criminalizing medical transition procedures for minors.
• Rep. Maxwell Frost’s opposition and Rep. Nancy Mace’s defense of the bill debated.
• Rubin’s take: “Chemically castrating kids and giving them hormones... while their brains are not—well, you guys get it...” (01:18:20)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Trump (on Bongino):

  • “I don't think there's a scandal here. I'm sure that there'll be stupid articles written… but I think Dan just misses his show.” (13:12)

• Dan Bongino (on personal sacrifice):

  • “I stare at these four walls all day in D.C… we love each other and it's hard to be apart. But you're doing some great work. You're straightening out the FBI…” (17:52)

• Dave Rubin on Media Bias:

  • “Jen, you ignorant slut.” (mocking Jen Psaki’s fact-check of Trump on gas prices) (01:27:15)

• On Cultural Decline:

  • “Do you want to be governed by people who are just little LARPing theater kids with all of the wrong ideas who will usher in the destruction of the country? Or would you prefer Donald Trump?” (01:06:11)

• On NYC Policy:

  • “Let’s pretend that’s right… that means another 50% is still [of assaults] happening in the back of the bus... now you just made the buses free, so those buses are gonna be way more crowded... crowded with homeless people and meth addicts...” (01:30:10)

Important Timestamps/Segments

| Timestamp | Segment/Topic | |-----------|--------------| | 00:55–07:45 | Opening, end-of-year notes, setup for Bongino discussion | | 08:00–18:30 | Dan Bongino resignation: announcement, commentary, reactions | | 24:30–27:15 | John Solomon: Bongino’s FBI contributions | | 34:10–47:00 | Ilhan Omar’s ICE claims, Somali-American statistics, assimilation/welfare | | 50:34–55:20 | Wasserman Schultz: “Trump greater threat than jihad?” Rubin and Peterson retorts | | 58:28–01:07:00 | AOC political rise, comparison with JD Vance, critique of “destroyer” mentality | | 01:14:41–01:21:55 | Transgender policy, new Congressional bill, Maxwell Frost/LGBTQ youth care debate | | 01:30:18–01:33:12 | NYC free buses, homelessness/crime logic | | 01:38:44–01:43:52 | Trump’s closing speech, patriotism, economic outlook | | 01:44:00–01:58:00 | RubinReport locals Q&A: Congress, executive orders, Christmas traditions, personal highlights |

Additional Insights

• Trump Administration Wins:

  • “We are making America great again tonight after 11 months. Our border is secure, inflation has stopped, wages are up, prices are down…” (01:38:44)
  • Rubin predicts a big push on the economy in 2026, including direct refunds from tax policy, reductions in healthcare premiums, and loosening regulations.

• Personal and Community Tone:

  • Rubin closes with appreciation for his viewers, sharing family/holiday plans, and candid moments with his audience.
  • Expresses optimism heading into America’s 250th anniversary, encouraging listeners to embrace the opportunity for renewed patriotism.

Style and Tone

The episode is energetic, combative, and irreverent. Rubin mixes earnest political analysis with sarcasm, humor, and a willingness to court controversy—reflected in his frequent use of off-color jokes and insults aimed at political opponents, public figures, and media personalities. Quotations are direct and often provocative, maintaining the uncensored tone The Rubin Report is known for.

Conclusion

This year-end edition of The Rubin Report centers on Dan Bongino’s departure from the FBI and its meaning for conservatives, with extended commentary on political adversaries, cultural rifts, and policy battles. Rubin blends breaking news analysis with personal stories and interactive Q&A, aiming to rally his audience around themes of resilience, patriotism, and critical engagement heading into a pivotal year for the nation.

Key takeaway:
Rubin positions Bongino’s return as a morale boost for conservatives, emphasizes the need for strong voices in media and politics, and closes with a call for renewed commitment to the nation’s founding values as America approaches its 250th birthday.