President Donald Trump publicly defended Attorney General Pam Bondi on Saturday, amidst backlash from his supporters regarding her handling of the recent memo linked to accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. The memo, which stated there is no evidence of a “client list” associated with Epstein or any conspiracy surrounding his death, has stirred significant controversy, particularly among Trump’s base.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Bondi’s performance, stating she is doing a “FANTASTIC JOB” and expressed his discontent with the criticism directed at her. He remarked, “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 unity among his supporters, referring to them as “one Team, MAGA,” and denounced what he described as “selfish people” trying to undermine his administration.
The backlash surrounding the memo’s release has led to strained relations between the FBI and the Department of Justice. Reports from CNN indicate that Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino has considered resigning due to escalating tensions following the memo’s findings. Critics within Trump’s circle, including right-wing activist Laura Loomer, have called for Bondi’s removal, further complicating the situation.
Trump has consistently downplayed the significance of the Epstein investigation, expressing frustration during a White House press briefing earlier in the week. He stated, “I can’t believe you’re asking a question on Epstein at a time like this.” In his Saturday remarks, he reiterated that the focus should not remain on Epstein, saying, “For years, it’s Epstein, over and over again.”
In his defense of Bondi, Trump also directed blame towards various political figures, including former President Barack Obama, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and former FBI Director James Comey. He claimed that these individuals, along with those in the current Biden Administration, are responsible for creating the “Epstein Files.” Trump questioned why, if there were damaging materials related to Epstein, they had not been released to harm the MAGA movement.
He urged Kash Patel, the current FBI Director, to shift focus towards issues he deems more pressing, such as voter fraud and political corruption. In his post, Trump stated, “Kash Patel, and the FBI, must be focused on investigating Voter Fraud, Political Corruption, ActBlue, The Rigged and Stolen Election of 2020, and arresting Thugs and Criminals, instead of spending month after month looking at nothing but the same old, Radical Left inspired Documents on Jeffrey Epstein.” He concluded with a strong endorsement of Bondi, exclaiming, “LET PAM BONDI DO HER JOB — SHE’S GREAT!” while minimizing Epstein’s relevance by stating he is “somebody that nobody cares about.”
Trump’s defense of Bondi underscores the continuing complexities within his administration as it navigates public scrutiny and internal disagreements over high-profile investigations.
