The Department of Justice and FBI publicly reaffirmed their joint stance on the Jeffrey Epstein case Friday following escalating criticism from within President Donald Trump's MAGA coalition, which has accused Attorney General Pam Bondi of mishandling sensitive case files.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche posted on X that the DOJ and FBI were aligned in concluding Epstein died by suicide in 2019 and that no "client list" exists. "All of us signed off on the contents of the memo and the conclusions stated in the memo," Blanche wrote. "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."
The statement came amid reports of deepening discord inside Trump's senior ranks. Dan Bongino, Deputy Director of the FBI and a prominent MAGA figure, reportedly clashed with Bondi during a closed-door meeting at the White House Wednesday, according to Axios. Citing four sources, the outlet reported that Bongino took Friday off following the tense exchange, which stemmed in part from Bondi's earlier promises to release a "client list"-a promise that never materialized.
Bongino was also blamed for "oversight about the missing minute" in surveillance footage from Epstein's jail cell, an issue that continues to fuel conspiracy theories. NewsNation reported that Bongino and FBI Director Kash Patel pushed for earlier release of Epstein-related documents, but were blocked. Bongino has denied being the source of that report.
"Pam said her piece. Dan said his piece. It didn't end on friendly terms," a source briefed on the confrontation told Axios.
Adding fuel to the fire, conservative commentator Laura Loomer wrote Friday on X: "@FBIDirectorKash and @dbongino are LIVID with @AGPamBondi... Bongino is taking the day off today from his job... and there's now speculation on whether or not he will return." Loomer added, "Trump should just FIRE her."
Bondi, who in February told reporters she had an Epstein "client list" on her desk, has since clarified that she was referring to "a variety of files." Much of the material released in April had already been in the public domain.
During a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Bondi was asked about Epstein's files. President Trump interrupted, saying: "Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein? This guy's been talked about for years... It just seems like a desecration."
The FBI and DOJ have since concluded their joint review and determined that "no further disclosure would be appropriate or warranted." That decision has drawn sharp rebuke from right-wing activists and even prompted calls for Bondi's resignation.
Epstein died August 10, 2019, in his Manhattan jail cell while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. Official findings ruled the death a suicide, but persistent questions about faulty surveillance cameras and lapses by jail staff have fueled conspiracy theories.
