Frustration is rising within the White House as key advisers express dissatisfaction with Attorney General Pam Bondi regarding the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. This discontent follows a recent report from the Justice Department that found no evidence of foul play in Epstein’s death, contradicting various conspiracy theories that have circulated among staunch supporters of former President Donald Trump.
The Justice Department’s memo, released on March 15, 2024, stated that Epstein died by suicide while in federal custody in 2019. This conclusion has drawn criticism from some in Trump’s inner circle, who feel the investigation has not adequately addressed the ongoing questions surrounding Epstein’s connections to prominent figures. Many of these voices are part of the MAGA movement, which has been vocal about perceived inadequacies in the administration’s response to Epstein’s case.
Criticism has particularly focused on Bondi, who had previously suggested that more information would emerge regarding Epstein’s death. A senior White House official indicated that while Trump is annoyed by the lingering interest in Epstein, he is not specifically targeting Bondi. “He’s annoyed that people still care about Jeffrey Epstein,” the official stated.
During a Cabinet meeting, Trump attempted to shift the focus away from the Epstein controversy, labeling the renewed interest as a “desecration” compared to more pressing issues, such as flooding in Texas. Nevertheless, concern among Trump officials regarding the handling of the Epstein files has escalated. One Trump ally remarked, “That was him trying to tell his base that it was time to move on. We aren’t ready to move on.”
The Justice Department memo has intensified scrutiny of Bondi, particularly after she claimed on a February Fox News interview that a list of Epstein’s clients was on her desk and would be released. The memo indicated no such list exists, further fueling discontent among Trump supporters. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended Bondi, stating that Trump is proud of her efforts to uphold the administration’s agenda and restore the integrity of the Justice Department.
The handling of the report’s rollout has also been criticized. A senior administration official described it as “not the rollout we would have liked,” particularly since the memo was leaked during a holiday weekend, limiting its visibility. The report directly contradicted several conspiracy theories prevalent among the right, including claims that Epstein was murdered and that authorities were concealing a list of high-profile clients.
On March 15, Bondi sought to clarify her earlier remarks about the client list, explaining that her comments referred to a file for review, which included other historical documents. This explanation has not satisfied many in the MAGA community, who continue to demand transparency regarding Epstein’s network. Influential activist Laura Loomer has publicly called for Bondi’s dismissal, while former Trump adviser Steve Bannon criticized the administration’s commitment to transparency on his show.
The search for groundbreaking information regarding Epstein’s ties to powerful figures has been fraught with challenges. By mid-March, it became evident that the investigation would not yield any significant new revelations. A Justice official confirmed the aim of achieving transparency, but acknowledged that much of the material could not be released due to privacy laws shielding victims and uncharged individuals.
The Epstein case has long been a focal point for conspiracy theorists, especially following his death while awaiting trial. The financier’s connections to high-profile individuals have only amplified suspicions about potential cover-ups. As the Justice Department continues to manage expectations, officials have reiterated that Epstein’s death was ruled a suicide, discouraging further speculation.
As tensions rise over the handling of the Epstein files, the Trump administration faces mounting pressure from its base to deliver on promises of transparency and accountability. The ongoing dissatisfaction within the White House could have implications for the administration’s ability to navigate this sensitive issue moving forward.
