Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino is reportedly contemplating resignation due to a significant conflict between the FBI and the Justice Department surrounding the controversial release of the Jeffrey Epstein memo. Sources familiar with the situation disclosed to CNN that the tension escalated following a heated confrontation between Bongino and Attorney General Pam Bondi regarding the handling of the Epstein case earlier this week.
The discord reached a boiling point during a meeting on Wednesday that included key figures such as Bongino, Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel, and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. During this meeting, Bongino and Patel faced inquiries about their alleged involvement in a story suggesting that the FBI sought to release more information but was obstructed by the Department of Justice. Bongino firmly denied leaking this information to NewsNation, the outlet that published the story, although he did not support the statement that defended the review mentioned in that article.
Despite the turmoil, sources indicate that Bongino has yet to make a final decision regarding his resignation, leaving open the possibility that he may choose to remain in his position. Axios was the first to report on some specifics of Bongino's confrontation at the White House.
The ongoing infighting comes as many of President Donald Trump’s close advisors have expressed growing frustration with Bondi's management of the so-called Epstein files. This sentiment intensified following days of strong criticism from some of Trump's most ardent supporters. Reports indicate that Bongino did not report to work on Friday, prompting speculation that he might have resigned over the ongoing issues. However, a source confirmed that as of Friday afternoon, he had not officially stepped down.
“The whole situation has been a complete mess, and no one is satisfied,” one source briefed on the matter told CNN.
Jeffrey Epstein, a disgraced financier and convicted sex offender, has remained a focal point of public attention due to his connections with numerous high-profile individuals. In August 2019, while awaiting trial for federal charges, Epstein was found unresponsive in his cell at New York’s Metropolitan Correctional Center and was later pronounced dead, a death ruled as suicide. However, the circumstances surrounding his death have been the subject of intense scrutiny.
During his 2024 campaign, Trump indicated he might consider releasing additional government files related to the Epstein case, which many of his supporters hope could expose other influential figures or challenge the narrative that Epstein’s death was a suicide. However, a memo released by the Justice Department on Monday stated there is no evidence to support claims of a “client list” or foul play in Epstein's death, leading to outrage and suspicion within the MAGA community.
The relationship between FBI and Justice Department officials has been strained for months concerning the review of the Epstein files. However, the tension became public on Friday when far-right provocateur Laura Loomer claimed on social media that both Bongino and Patel were “LIVID” with Bondi over the Epstein case. Loomer further noted that Bongino was “taking the day off” from his role as Deputy Director of the FBI, sparking further speculation regarding his future.
In response to the growing narrative of discord, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche publicly denied any rift between the leadership of the Justice Department and the FBI, stating that claims of discord regarding the memo’s creation and release are “patently false.” White House Deputy Press Secretary Harrison Fields defended the administration, asserting that Trump has assembled a capable team focused on protecting Americans and delivering justice.
In February, Bondi hosted an event at the White House featuring pro-Trump social media influencers to present binders of Epstein-related documents, which later drew criticism when attendees realized most of the documents had been publicly available for years. Bongino, who has made promises about the release of the Epstein files, has also attempted to downplay their significance. One of his notable frustrations relates to a 10-hour surveillance video recorded outside Epstein’s Manhattan jail cell on the day of his death. Bongino, who initially celebrated the discovery of this video as key evidence against claims of murder, faced backlash when it was noted that the footage had inexplicable gaps.
The controversy surrounding the Epstein investigation continues to unfold, with Bongino and Patel privately expressing their exasperation over the Justice Department’s management of the case. This ongoing saga encapsulates the tumultuous state of affairs within the FBI and the Justice Department as they navigate the fallout from Epstein's legacy.
This story will continue to develop as more details emerge regarding the internal conflicts and the future of Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino.
