FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino took an unscheduled day off on Friday following a heated clash with Attorney General Pam Bondi regarding the administration's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Sources familiar with the incident revealed to Axios that the conflict arose amidst controversy surrounding the administration's retraction of claims about Epstein, a convicted sex offender who died in a New York City prison cell in 2019.
The altercation came to a head on Wednesday after the administration acknowledged that Epstein did not possess a secret celebrity client list and that he was not murdered, despite widespread speculation. Bongino's absence from work on Friday led some insiders to speculate that he had resigned; however, administration officials clarified that he remains employed, even as internal tensions regarding the Epstein case persist.
A source close to Bongino hinted at his dissatisfaction, suggesting he may not return to his post. The primary point of contention involved a surveillance video released by the administration, which purported to show that no one entered Epstein's cell before his death. The 10-hour footage reportedly contained a missing minute, which has fueled conspiracy theories within the MAGA community regarding a potential cover-up.
Authorities explained that the missing minute was a result of an outdated surveillance recording system that resets daily at midnight, causing a one-minute lapse in recording. Bongino, who has previously promoted Epstein conspiracy theories as a conservative podcaster before his appointment to the FBI, had initially endorsed the video as evidence that Epstein had not been murdered. This stance, which echoed the views of FBI Director Kash Patel, provoked backlash from many in Trump's MAGA base, particularly after Axios revealed details about the video and accompanying memo.
Following the exposure of the missing minute, Bongino faced internal scrutiny and was blamed for the oversight, according to multiple sources. Reports indicated that Bongino was increasingly frustrated with Bondi’s management of the Epstein case, particularly as she had made public statements about an Epstein client list that appeared to be nonexistent.
The conflict escalated during a meeting at the White House, attended by Patel, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich. Bongino was confronted regarding a NewsNation article suggesting that he and Patel had sought to release more information about Epstein but were hindered by Bondi. Bongino refuted claims of leaking that information, leading to a heated exchange that ended on a sour note.
According to an insider, Bongino expressed anger following the confrontation, stating his initial support for releasing the video and information related to Epstein had changed after facing criticism online. A source sympathetic to Bongino defended him, asserting, "Dan is not the bad guy here. He shouldn't take the fall."
This fallout highlights the significant turmoil within the administration regarding its handling of the Epstein case. At various times, Bondi, Bongino, and Patel have each expressed feelings of being unfairly blamed for the Epstein controversy and feeling abandoned in the process.
Bongino, who previously served as a Secret Service agent, gained prominence as a conservative commentator and podcaster with frequent appearances on Fox News before joining the administration. His involvement in this high-stakes situation underscores the complexities of navigating public perception and internal dynamics within Trump's administration.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche addressed the situation on X, affirming that he collaborated closely with Patel and Bongino on the joint FBI and DOJ memo concerning the Epstein files. He emphasized that all parties agreed on the memo's contents and conclusions, dismissing any claims of discord between FBI and DOJ leadership as "patently false."
The ongoing conflict surrounding Epstein's case serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by those in positions of power within the administration. As allegations and conspiracy theories continue to circulate, the repercussions of this internal dispute may have lasting effects on public trust and accountability.
