FBI Director Kash Patel has addressed speculation surrounding a rift within the Trump administration’s law-and-order team regarding the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein file release. This statement comes in the wake of backlash against Attorney General Pam Bondi, just hours before President Donald Trump voiced his support for her on social media.
On March 10, 2024, the FBI and the Department of Justice released a memo that put to rest rumors concerning a supposed list of Epstein’s clients. The investigation confirmed that no incriminating document exists and reiterated that Epstein died by suicide in his jail cell in 2019. This revelation has reignited public interest, particularly following the release of surveillance video footage that revealed a one-minute gap during the time of Epstein’s death.
Reports surfaced that Dan Bongino, Deputy Director of the FBI, was contemplating resignation if Bondi were to remain as head of the Department of Justice, which oversees the FBI. Although unverified, there were claims that Patel himself might also resign. In response, Patel took to social media to dismiss these allegations, stating that such “conspiracy theories” are unfounded.
“The conspiracy theories just aren’t true, never have been,” Patel wrote. “It’s an honor to serve the President of the United States @realDonaldTrump — and I’ll continue to do so for as long as he calls on me.”
Just hours later, Trump responded to his supporters’ dissatisfaction with Bondi’s handling of the Epstein files, stating on Truth Social, “What’s going on with my ‘boys’ and, in some cases, ‘gals’? They’re all going after Attorney General Pam Bondi, who is doing a FANTASTIC JOB.” He emphasized that the team should remain united under the MAGA banner.
Trump further criticized the handling of the Epstein files, suggesting that previous administrations, including those of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, were responsible for the controversies surrounding Epstein. “They created the Epstein Files, just like they created the FAKE Hillary Clinton/Christopher Steele Dossier that they used on me,” he wrote.
Tensions reportedly escalated during a White House meeting on March 6, 2024, where Bongino confronted Bondi over what he viewed as a lack of transparency in the Epstein investigation. Insiders claim Bongino expressed his frustrations vocally before leaving the meeting. Despite these tensions, sources close to Bondi assert that she intends to remain in her position and that she and Patel are in constant communication.
White House Deputy Press Secretary Harrison Fields emphasized the unity of the administration’s law-and-order team, stating, “Any attempt to sow division within this team is baseless and distracts from the real progress being made.” He highlighted that Trump’s team is focused on protecting Americans and delivering justice to victims.
As the controversy continues to unfold, the FBI has not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter. The ongoing discourse around the Epstein files and the internal dynamics of the Trump administration reflects the complexity of navigating high-profile investigations while maintaining public trust and political cohesion. The situation remains fluid, with implications for both the administration and public perception of its handling of sensitive cases.
