Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino is at the center of a contentious debate within the Trump administration about how to deal with files related to Jeffrey Epstein, raising uncertainty about his future in the role.
Insiders have indicated that Bongino is extremely frustrated with the handling of the Epstein documents and has had confrontations with Justice Department leaders regarding the issue that arose this week.
Neither the FBI nor the White House provided immediate comments upon request.
Several news organizations, including CNN, have reported that Bongino was absent from work on Friday and was reflecting on whether to resign. It was first reported by Axios that he had a dispute with Attorney General Pam Bondi earlier in the week.
Laura Rumer, a right-wing activist and staunch supporter of Trump, initially suggested that Bongino might be considering his resignation. During a meeting with Trump at the White House, Rumer called for Bondi to be removed from her position.
The Justice Department and FBI released a joint memo earlier this week, stating that Epstein does not maintain a client list and confirming that he took his own life in a New York City jail in 2019. This report incited conspiracy theories regarding Epstein’s death, angering members of the MAGA movement who alleged that high-profile Democrats were linked to him.
The sealed files are said to show that the FBI memo was intended solely to protect the victim and did not implicate any third parties in wrongdoing.
Bondi is facing significant backlash, particularly due to her earlier assertions about the need for transparency concerning the Epstein files. On Tuesday, she defended the way the DOJ handled the evidence, reiterating that a review of Epstein’s client list was “sitting on my desk” and mentioned various files connected to the case.
News Nation reported earlier this week that FBI leadership claimed they would have disclosed evidence related to the Epstein matter if they had the authority.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche attempted to address the speculation about discord among high-ranking officials regarding the Epstein files on Friday.
“We all agreed with the content and conclusions of the memo,” he posted on X.
Kash Patel, who directs both Bongino and the FBI, has been viewed as a bridge between President Trump’s supporters and the MAGA loyalists.
A source close to the White House indicated that Bongino has significant recognition among grassroots supporters, who may have reservations about the FBI and DOJ but tend to trust him.
Bongino has a background as a police officer and Secret Service agent. Prior to moving into government, he was involved in radio shows and podcasts, and he propagated various conspiracy theories related to the Capitol riots and the Epstein case on January 6, 2021.
He remarked in 2023, “Listen, Jeffrey Epstein’s story is a big deal. Don’t let it fade away. Stay alert to this.” Epstein was infamously connected to numerous allegations of sex trafficking involving young girls and associated with many influential figures, including Trump, former President Clinton, and British Prince Andrew. His associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, was convicted of sex trafficking.
