FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino is reportedly mulling over leaving his position due to frustrations with how the Justice Department handled the Jeffrey Epstein files.
According to Fox News, Bongino clashed with Attorney General Pam Bondi during a White House meeting on Wednesday, leading him to take Friday off amid considerations of resignation. Sources indicate he has not returned to the office since that argument, underscoring the fallout from the Epstein document release.
The dispute arose shortly after the DOJ and FBI issued a joint review on Sunday that debunked notions of an Epstein client list and confirmed his 2019 suicide in a New York jail cell. While the review aimed to close the book on conspiracy theories, a missing minute in the released surveillance video has only fueled public skepticism.
Two sources confirmed the heated exchange between Bongino and Bondi at the White House, centering on the handling of these sensitive files. Bondi, however, remains committed to her role, with sources close to her expressing pride in the department's work.
FBI Director Kash Patel has been in regular contact with Bondi, and both are aligned on the matter, according to insiders. Patel also has no plans to step down, signaling stability at the top despite the internal friction.
White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Harrison Fields stated, "President Trump has assembled a highly qualified and experienced law and order team dedicated to protecting Americans, holding criminals accountable, and delivering justice to victims." Yet this assurance rings a bit hollow when key figures like Bongino are absent from their duties, suggesting that unity might be more aspiration than reality in an administration focused on transparency.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche took to X on Friday to defend the team's cohesion, posting that he worked closely with Patel and Bongino on the joint memo about the Epstein files. "All of us signed off on the contents of the memo and the conclusions stated in the memo," Blanche wrote, dismissing any suggestions of discord as "patently false."
Blanche's statement emphasizes that FBI and DOJ leadership were united in the memo's release, which concluded there was no elite client list tied to Epstein's crimes. Still, if everyone was truly on board, Bongino's reported frustration and absence raise questions about whether progressive pressures or bureaucratic hurdles are undermining the push for full accountability.
President Trump himself weighed in during a cabinet meeting, calling Epstein a "creep" and expressing disbelief that the topic persists amid other national issues like Texas border concerns. "This guy's been talked about for years... And people are still talking about this guy, this creep?" Trump remarked, redirecting focus to broader priorities in a way that underscores the need to move past distractions.
The administration released a 10-hour prison surveillance video to prove no one entered Epstein's cell before his death, but the missing minute has sparked widespread outrage and conspiracy theories. Critics argue this gap points to a potential cover-up, eroding trust in the official narrative of suicide.
Sources indicate Bongino's considerations stem directly from these handling issues, though he has not finalized any decision. His absence since Wednesday adds to the perception of unrest, even as the White House insists on seamless operations.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt affirmed, "President Trump is proud of Attorney General Bondi’s efforts to execute his Make America Safe Again agenda, restore the integrity of the Department of Justice, and bring justice to victims of crime." While this highlights the administration's commitment to law and order, the ongoing fixation on Epstein risks overshadowing real progress in combating crime without succumbing to endless speculation.
Bondi faces criticism following the DOJ's revelations, but sources say she has no intention of resigning and values the department's achievements. This resolve aligns with the broader goal of holding criminals accountable, a cornerstone of conservative justice reform.
Patel's satisfaction with his role further stabilizes the FBI's direction, as he and Bondi maintain open lines of communication. Their unity contrasts with Bongino's reported discontent, illustrating how even dedicated teams can face strains over high-stakes investigations.
As the Epstein saga lingers, the administration's emphasis on protecting Americans and delivering justice remains paramount. Ultimately, resolving these internal tensions could strengthen the push against elite impunity, ensuring that victims' voices are not drowned out by division or doubt.
