A high-stakes clash inside the Trump administration over the Justice Department’s recent review of Jeffrey Epstein’s death and criminal case has led to internal rifts and renewed speculation surrounding the FBI’s role, culminating in the unexpected absence of FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino from work on Friday.
Multiple sources confirmed to CBS News that Bongino stayed home amid escalating tensions with Attorney General Pam Bondi. The two officials reportedly engaged in a contentious confrontation earlier this week at a White House meeting, where the rollout of the Epstein findings became a focal point of disagreement. White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles was also present at the meeting, first reported by Axios.
According to CBS News sources, Bongino is now seriously considering resignation. While Bongino has released no official statement, the situation is being described by insiders as a “pressing issue” for the FBI, highlighting the growing strain between federal law enforcement and the Justice Department over how to manage one of the most politically volatile criminal cases in recent memory.
Epstein Probe Findings Spark Right-Wing Backlash
At the center of the turmoil is a joint DOJ-FBI memo released earlier this week concluding that Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide in his jail cell in 2019 and that there was no evidence of a “client list” or of any blackmail of prominent individuals. These conclusions refuted years of conspiracy theories surrounding Epstein’s death and the alleged existence of powerful figures who may have been involved in his criminal activities.
“The systematic review revealed no incriminating ‘client list,’” the memo stated. “There was also no credible evidence found that Epstein blackmailed prominent individuals.”
Video footage reviewed by investigators and publicly released appeared to show that Epstein was alone in his cell with no unauthorized entries into the area. However, questions were raised over a missing one-minute segment in the video, which Attorney General Bondi attributed to a regular glitch in the detention center’s aging security system.
Despite the findings, the review has not settled the matter for many in Trump’s political base. Some conservative commentators and social media influencers have denounced the investigation as incomplete or misleading, fueling further demands for transparency and the release of all Epstein-related records.
Trump Administration Scrambles to Present United Front
Sources inside the White House indicate that President Trump has not yet lost confidence in either Bondi or Bongino. However, frustration is mounting over what some see as poor handling of the memo’s release and its subsequent political fallout. One source remarked, “He’s certainly not helping” about Bongino.
In a statement, White House spokesperson Harrison Fields attempted to downplay the controversy, describing reports of division as “baseless” and emphasizing the administration’s focus on public safety and justice.
“President Trump has assembled a highly qualified and experienced law and order team,” Fields said. “This work is being carried out seamlessly and with unity.”
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche also intervened publicly, posting on X (formerly Twitter) to deny any discord between agencies. “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 wrote.
Broken Promises and Misleading Hints?
Earlier this year, Bondi and other Trump-aligned DOJ officials had committed to releasing information about Epstein’s past activities upon the administration’s return to the White House. During a February Fox News interview, Bondi ignited speculation by claiming that a “client list” was on her desk — a claim she later walked back, explaining she was referring broadly to Epstein-related documents.
Adding to the confusion, a group of 15 conservative social media influencers were invited to the White House in February and handed binders labeled “The Epstein Files: Phase 1.” Although Bondi reportedly distributed the materials, several influencers later said the binders offered little new information and were more symbolic than revelatory.
This mishandling has only intensified scrutiny of how the Trump administration is managing public perception of the Epstein investigation, particularly among the President’s staunchest supporters who view the case as emblematic of entrenched corruption among elites.
What’s Next?
Dan Bongino’s potential resignation could signal deeper fractures within the administration’s law enforcement leadership. His absence — especially during a politically charged moment like this — raises questions about internal accountability, transparency, and the administration’s commitment to fully investigating the Epstein case.
Whether further Epstein-related information will be released — or if public dissatisfaction will prompt a more extensive inquiry — remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: the Epstein saga continues to cast a long shadow over Washington, and for many Americans, the answers provided so far remain far from satisfying.
Key Takeaways:
- Dan Bongino did not report to work amid tensions with AG Pam Bondi over the Epstein case review.
- The DOJ/FBI memo concluded Epstein died by suicide and there is no client list or blackmail evidence.
- Trump’s base remains skeptical, demanding more transparency.
- Bongino is reportedly weighing resignation, adding to internal unrest at the FBI.
- The administration denies internal rifts, claiming unity in public safety efforts.
If you’d like, I can now generate a headline summary or follow-up explainer on Epstein case developments.
