Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino is embroiled in internal disputes within the Trump administration regarding the handling of documents related to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. This situation has raised questions about Bongino’s future in his role. A source familiar with the matter confirmed to The Hill that Bongino is infuriated over the management of the Epstein files and has had confrontations with leaders at the Justice Department this week.
Reports indicate that Bongino was absent from work on Friday and is contemplating resignation. Multiple news outlets, including CNN and Semafor, have covered this developing story. Axios was the first to report that Bongino had a disagreement with Attorney General Pam Bondi earlier in the week. Activist Laura Loomer, known for her far-right views and support for Trump, was among the first to suggest that Bongino might step down. Loomer has also called for Bondi’s removal from her position.
In a joint memo released earlier this week, the Justice Department and the FBI stated that Epstein did not possess a client list and confirmed that he died by suicide in his New York City jail cell in 2019. This finding has angered members of the MAGA movement, who have long promoted conspiracy theories surrounding Epstein’s death and suggested that prominent Democrats could be implicated in a client list.
The FBI memo clarified that the files and evidence sealed by court order were intended to protect victims and did not expose any additional parties to allegations of wrongdoing. Bondi has faced considerable backlash for her earlier comments, in which she pledged transparency regarding the Epstein files. On Tuesday, she defended the DOJ’s management of the evidence and addressed her previous statement in February, claiming that an Epstein client list was “sitting on my desk” for review. She clarified that she was referring to a range of documents related to the Epstein case.
The Hill’s sister network, NewsNation, reported that FBI leadership would have unsealed evidence related to the Epstein case if circumstances had permitted, a comment perceived as a veiled criticism of DOJ leadership. Todd Blanche, Deputy Attorney General, sought to quell speculation regarding a rift within senior leadership over the Epstein case, stating on X, “All of us signed off on the contents of the memo and the conclusions stated in the memo.” He further refuted claims of discord between the FBI and DOJ leadership concerning the memo’s composition and release.
Bongino and FBI Director Kash Patel were both viewed as favored appointments among President Trump’s supporters. A source close to the White House noted, “A lot of the grassroots know Dan Bongino. So they may not trust the FBI, they may not trust the DOJ, but they trust Dan Bongino.”
Bongino has a background as a former police officer and Secret Service agent. Prior to his government role, he hosted a radio show and podcast where he promoted various conspiracy theories, including those surrounding the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol and the Epstein case. In March 2023, Bongino urged his listeners to pay close attention to the unfolding Epstein story.
Epstein, who faced numerous allegations of sex trafficking and abuse involving young girls, had connections with high-profile individuals, including former President Bill Clinton, Britain’s Prince Andrew, and various celebrities. His associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, is currently serving a prison sentence for her role in Epstein’s trafficking operations.
