The Justice Department has addressed reports of a dispute between Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino regarding the handling of Jeffrey Epstein’s files.
These reports followed the DOJ’s earlier statement that no “files” exist related to the late convicted sex offender.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche denied any internal disagreements between Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Bongino.
He specifically rejected claims that Bongino took time off due to frustration with Bondi’s approach to the Epstein case.
Conservative commentator Laura Loomer sparked the rumors on X, claiming Bongino was absent from work because of dissatisfaction with Bondi’s “lack of transparency” about the Epstein files. Some media outlets, including Axios, supported Loomer’s assertions.
Blanche responded on social media, stating he had worked closely with Patel and Bongino on a joint FBI-DOJ memo concerning Epstein’s records. He emphasized that all parties approved the memo’s content and conclusions, calling suggestions of discord “patently false.”
Despite Blanche’s denial, Loomer questioned why no officials signed the leaked memo that declared no evidence of a blackmail operation was found. She claimed her sources indicated the FBI wanted to release more information on Epstein, but Bondi and the DOJ opposed it, causing tensions among Bondi, Patel, and Bongino.
While some Trump aides have criticized Bondi, a senior White House official told Axios that President Trump “loves Pam and thinks she’s great,” according to the Conservative Brief.
The controversy has raised eyebrows among conservatives, especially since Bondi had earlier asserted she possessed a substantial collection of Epstein documents and videos, including a supposed list of clients.
In contrast to these tensions, a Democratic senator recently introduced a Senate Appropriations Committee amendment aimed at preserving and compiling all Epstein-related records. The amendment, proposed by Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen, passed the committee unanimously.
Van Hollen explained the amendment’s goal is transparency, saying the public deserves to know how the Epstein case has been managed. The amendment mandates preservation of documents and requires a detailed report on the case’s handling.
When asked about the possibility of a cover-up, Van Hollen said he simply wants all facts disclosed to restore public confidence. Despite the amendment’s unanimous committee approval, it remains uncertain if it will be included in the final funding bill or signed into law by President Trump.
Epstein’s last known communication was sent hours before his death in a Manhattan jail cell, in which he said he was “still hanging around.” Journalist Michael Wolff disclosed on “The Daily Beast Podcast” that he received this final message through one of Epstein’s lawyers on a Friday evening before Epstein’s Saturday morning death.
This ongoing controversy over Epstein’s files and the DOJ’s handling of the case continues to draw political and public scrutiny. Questions remain about the full extent of documents held and the transparency of their release.
The bipartisan Senate amendment signals an effort to ensure these records are preserved for public accountability. Meanwhile, tensions within the DOJ leadership reportedly persist despite official denials.
Bongino and Kash wrote the Epstein memo and released it, ‘UNSIGNED’ thru Axios, a leftist site in the dead of night!
Bondi had no input in the memo. She was set up!