President Donald Trump confirmed this week that he personally spoke with Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino amid growing political tension and public backlash surrounding the Justice Department’s recent handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. The statement comes at a time when internal divisions within the administration have been pushed into the spotlight, with Bongino reportedly clashing with Attorney General Pam Bondi over the release of a controversial memo downplaying longstanding allegations about Epstein’s alleged network of powerful clients.
When asked by reporters if Bongino was still in his position following reports of a possible resignation, Trump responded affirmatively. “Oh, I think so. I spoke to him today,” Trump said. “Dan Bongino, very good guy. I’ve known him a long time. I’ve done his show many, many times. He sounded terrific, actually.”
Bongino, a former Secret Service agent turned conservative media personality, has played a prominent role within Trump’s Justice Department since his appointment earlier this year. His longstanding skepticism about the official narrative surrounding Epstein’s 2019 death and his vocal support for further transparency made him a favorite among Trump’s MAGA base, many of whom believe the government has concealed key information. Those suspicions were reignited in recent weeks after the DOJ and FBI jointly released a memo stating that there is no credible evidence supporting theories about a hidden list of high-profile Epstein clients or foul play in his death, which was officially ruled a suicide.
The memo, released months after Attorney General Bondi promised the American public “major revelations,” was sharply criticized by several conservative influencers, including Laura Loomer and Elon Musk. Critics accused the DOJ of walking back previous commitments and fueling suspicions of a cover-up. The memo stated that exhaustive investigations had turned up no such “client list” and reiterated findings that Epstein died by suicide while in federal custody in 2019, despite years of speculation and doubt.
According to reports from several media outlets, including Fox News and NBC, Bongino was privately angered by the release and timing of the memo, which he reportedly believed undercut months of effort to hold institutions accountable. Tensions between Bongino and Bondi reportedly escalated behind closed doors, culminating in a heated exchange during a recent high-level meeting at the White House. Some insiders claimed Bongino briefly considered stepping down, though he ultimately remained in his role after conversations with Trump and other senior advisors.
During an appearance on Fox News, Bongino declined to directly address the resignation rumors but emphasized the need for “integrity and transparency” in handling cases that have shaken public confidence. “What people want is truth. What they don’t want is political spin or watered-down reports that insult their intelligence,” he said.
Trump’s decision to publicly back Bongino comes at a delicate moment. The Epstein investigation has once again become a lightning rod for criticism, not only from Trump’s political opponents but also from many within his own base. The former president’s comments appear designed to signal that despite internal friction, his administration remains committed to law enforcement and national transparency.
Nonetheless, the broader fallout continues. Members of Congress have renewed calls for full disclosure of all files related to Epstein’s associates and flight logs, while legal analysts warn that ongoing investigations may be complicated by public distrust and the politicization of the issue.
Whether Bongino’s position remains secure in the long term remains to be seen, but for now, Trump’s reassurance seems aimed at quelling speculation and projecting stability within a Justice Department navigating one of its most controversial chapters in recent memory.
