Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino faces an uncertain future as the controversy surrounding the Justice Department's decision to withhold further records from its investigations into the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein intensifies. Multiple sources familiar with the situation confirmed to ABC News that Bongino has indicated to allies that he may resign due to escalating public outrage, particularly from supporters of former President Donald Trump.
The discontent stems from a memo issued earlier this week by the FBI and the DOJ, which stated that the agencies would not be making any future public disclosures regarding their review of Epstein's case. This review reaffirmed that Epstein died by suicide in his jail cell in Manhattan in 2019. Despite repeated requests for comment from ABC News, Bongino has remained silent, while the FBI has declined to provide any statements on the matter.
Much of the criticism directed at Bongino and FBI Director Kash Patel relates to their past statements that have seemingly fueled conspiracy theories surrounding Epstein's death. In a 2023 podcast episode, Bongino urged his listeners not to dismiss the Epstein narrative, attributing blame to "the Washington swamp" for withholding the truth. This has raised concerns about how public figures can influence perceptions of serious investigations.
In the DOJ and FBI's memo released on Monday, both agencies emphasized that their review found no incriminating client list associated with Epstein and no credible evidence suggesting he blackmailed prominent individuals. The memo stated, "One of our highest priorities is combatting child exploitation and bringing justice to victims. Perpetuating unfounded theories about Epstein serves neither of those ends."
According to sources, Bongino has expressed increasing dissatisfaction with Attorney General Pam Bondi regarding the handling of the Epstein announcement. Reports indicate that Bongino had a heated exchange with Bondi over her management of the review and the memo’s content, highlighting internal conflicts within the FBI and DOJ.
On social media, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche clarified that he collaborated with Bongino and Patel to draft the memo, asserting that all parties involved approved its content. He stated, "The suggestion by anyone that there was any daylight between the FBI and DOJ leadership on this memo's composition and release is patently false."
On Friday, sources reported that Bongino took the day off, which has further fueled speculation about his future within the FBI. As the fallout from the Epstein investigation continues, the uncertainty surrounding Bongino's position raises questions about the ongoing impact of public sentiment on leadership roles within federal agencies.
