On Friday, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stirred significant controversy among supporters of the MAGA movement after he defended a newly released memo regarding the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. The findings from the Justice Department and FBI, made public earlier this week, concluded that Epstein did not maintain a “client list,” was not involved in blackmailing public figures, nor was he murdered in his jail cell in 2019. These revelations, first reported by Axios, have left many in President Donald Trump’s base frustrated, particularly those who have urged the administration to disclose documents related to Epstein’s notorious sex-trafficking case.
Since the beginning of Trump's second term, Attorney General Pam Bondi has committed to releasing all relevant files concerning Epstein. In a February interview with Fox News, she claimed that Epstein’s “client list” was “sitting on my desk right now to review.” Trump himself, while campaigning for the 2024 election, expressed that he would have “no problem” releasing the documents if re-elected. The ongoing speculation surrounding the Epstein case was previously fueled by FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino, both of whom have since taken on significant roles within the agency.
Blanche, who previously served as Trump’s criminal defense attorney, took to X (formerly Twitter) to assert that he “worked closely” with Patel and Bongino on the controversial memo. Following his post, backlash from the MAGA community ensued. “All of us signed off on the contents of the memo and the conclusions stated in the memo,” Blanche clarified. “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,” he continued, attempting to quell the rising tension.
However, many social media users quickly questioned Blanche’s statements, noting that the memo lacked signatures. Prominent MAGA influencer Gunther Eagleman condemned the memo as a “Horrible look” for both the DOJ and FBI. He raised pointed questions regarding the memo's release, including who leaked the draft to Axios and the absence of signatures. Eagleman concluded, “These agencies, including you, are LYING.”
Far-right activist Laura Loomer echoed similar sentiments, criticizing Bondi for allegedly damaging the Trump administration’s credibility by withholding information while simultaneously communicating with the MAGA base through media appearances. Loomer stated, “Trump’s team needs to READ THE ROOM,” emphasizing that Bondi’s actions have eroded public trust in the DOJ.
Loomer also claimed that Patel and Bongino were “LIVID” with Bondi over the memo, citing an anonymous source. She reported that they were frustrated with the fallout caused by Bondi's lack of transparency. “I’m told Kash and Bongino are furious with Blondi and the blowback she has caused them,” Loomer wrote on X, suggesting that they should call for her resignation.
Blanche’s defense of the memo comes amid reports from Axios that Bongino took a day off from work following a clash with Bondi at the White House over the administration’s response to the Epstein files. Sources close to the situation also indicated to CNN that Bongino is contemplating resigning due to the ongoing internal conflict.
The fallout from the Epstein case continues to reverberate within political circles, raising questions about transparency and trust in the institutions that are meant to serve the public. As the situation unfolds, the implications for the Trump administration and its supporters remain uncertain.
