Far-right activist Laura Loomer recently expressed her discontent over Pam Bondi's handling of the Epstein case, stating in a text message to POLITICO, “Blondi should be fired.” Loomer criticized Bondi for allegedly trying to shield herself from her past record as Attorney General of Florida, particularly concerning her connection to the notorious sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein. This criticism reflects the intense scrutiny Bondi has faced from both Republicans and Democrats regarding the release of Epstein's alleged “client list.”
Bondi has been under significant pressure to disclose details about Epstein’s alleged associates, especially after her February interview on Fox News, where she mentioned that the relevant documents were “sitting on my desk right now.” However, a recent announcement from the administration stated that there is no existing client list. “My response was, it’s sitting on my desk to be reviewed. Meaning the file, along with the JFK and MLK files,” she clarified during a Cabinet meeting at the White House.
In addition to Loomer's comments, Bondi, along with FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino, has faced backlash from conservative online influencers whom they previously courted. In February, influencers like Rogan O’Handley, known as DC_Draino on X, and Jack Posobiec, were invited to the White House and presented with binders purportedly containing new information on Epstein’s case. However, these binders reportedly lacked substantial insights, prompting criticism from the influencers themselves.
Liz Wheeler, another prominent MAGA influencer, reflected on the situation during an appearance on Glenn Beck's show, stating that Bondi had “become a liability to this administration.” She expressed that the administration is beginning to realize the negative impact this controversy has had on their relationship with voters, saying, “She’s a liability. It’s time to move on.”
President Donald Trump seems eager to shift focus away from the Epstein discussion. During a Cabinet meeting, he expressed disbelief that Epstein continues to be a topic of conversation, saying, “Are people still talking about this guy, this creep? That is unbelievable.” Trump emphasized the importance of focusing on other pressing issues, such as recent events in Texas, rather than rehashing Epstein’s past.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt supported Trump’s sentiments, stating that the “continued fixation on sowing division in President Trump’s Cabinet is baseless and unfounded in reality.” Despite the administration's efforts to maintain transparency, those close to Trump acknowledge that the handling of the Epstein situation has sparked frustration. A senior official described it as “a massive mess that has caused a lot of frustration,” attributing the ongoing issues to the controversial binders.
Trump has publicly voiced his support for both Patel and Bongino in a post on Truth Social, further complicating the narrative surrounding Bondi's role. Leavitt reiterated that the White House had committed to an exhaustive investigation into the Epstein case and provided results as part of their transparency efforts. However, the presence of administration figures like Patel and Vice President JD Vance, who previously promoted conspiracy theories regarding Epstein, has added fuel to the fire of criticism.
Critics, including former White House employee Musk, have taken to social media to express their skepticism about Trump's commitment to transparency. Musk tweeted, “How can people be expected to have faith in Trump if he won’t release the Epstein files?” This ongoing dialogue highlights the complex relationship between the administration, the Epstein case, and the growing demand for accountability and transparency among the public.
