Trump DOJ Denies Rift Between Bongino and Bondi Over Epstein Memo Amid Resignation Rumors
The Department of Justice on Friday forcefully denied reports of a behind-the-scenes feud between top Trump administration officials over the handling of Jeffrey Epstein-related files. The rebuttal came after multiple social media posts and reports suggested that Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino had clashed with Attorney General Pam Bondi, allegedly threatening to step down over her refusal to release more Epstein-related information.
Rumors of a Rift Go Public
The controversy erupted after conservative influencer Laura Loomer posted claims that Bongino had “taken the day off” in frustration, signaling a potential resignation from his high-ranking role at the FBI. Loomer asserted that Bongino was furious with Bondi’s alleged obstruction of transparency regarding Epstein’s files. “There’s now speculation on whether or not he will return to his job at the FBI over his disgust with Blondi’s lack of transparency,” Loomer wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
The memo in question, released earlier this week, stated that no Epstein “client list” was ever discovered by federal investigators. The memo contradicted earlier television appearances by Bondi, where she hinted that sealed files might include such a list.
Loomer’s posts quickly gained traction, prompting media outlets like Axios and Semafor to report on the apparent fracture within the DOJ’s leadership team.
DOJ Responds Swiftly
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche issued a strong denial on X. “I worked closely with [FBI Director] Kash Patel and [Deputy Director] Dan Bongino on the joint FBI and DOJ memo regarding the Epstein Files,” Blanche stated. “All of us signed off on the contents of the memo and the conclusions stated in the memo. 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.”
Blanche’s post appeared to be a coordinated effort to downplay rumors of discord and prevent further speculation about Bongino’s employment status.
Loomer and Others Push Back
Despite the DOJ’s denial, Loomer doubled down. She questioned why the memo had no visible signatures and repeated her claim that Bongino and Patel favored more transparency but were overruled by Bondi. “My sources tell me that the FBI wanted to release more information about Jeffrey Epstein, and Pam Blondi [Bondi] and her DOJ said NO,” Loomer wrote. “Asking for transparency isn’t difficult.”
Other commentators echoed her sentiment, noting that Bongino, a former Secret Service agent and frequent Trump ally, has long positioned himself as a hardliner against institutional cover-ups.
Reports Suggest Bongino Considered Resignation
Eric Daugherty of Florida Politics added fuel to the fire by reporting that “multiple sources” claimed Bongino had considered resigning if Bondi stayed on as Attorney General. While these claims remain unconfirmed, Daugherty later reported that Bondi has “every intention to stay and serve,” alongside FBI Director Kash Patel.
What’s Next for DOJ and Epstein Files?
As public demand for Epstein-related transparency grows, the DOJ faces increasing pressure to clarify its position. Critics argue that the current administration, led by President Donald Trump, campaigned on cleaning up government corruption and now risks undermining its credibility if internal feuds and secrecy continue.
Despite the denials, the episode has reopened questions about the Epstein investigation and whether key details have been withheld from the public.
