FBI in Turmoil: Epstein Files Spark Clash Between Bongino and Bondi

Recent revelations about the Jeffrey Epstein case have ignited major tension within the FBI and the Department of Justice, with Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino reportedly considering resignation over disagreements with Attorney General Pam Bondi regarding the handling of the controversial “Epstein files.”

Why it matters:

The internal fallout marks the Trump administration’s biggest law enforcement rift in 2025 so far. If both Bongino and FBI Director Kash Patel step down, it could shake public trust in how the Epstein investigation was handled—especially amid scrutiny of video footage from Epstein’s jail cell and alleged contradictions in Bondi’s public claims.

Driving the news:

• According to Axios, Bongino has submitted his resignation after clashing with Bondi over a joint DOJ-FBI memo stating that the so-called “Epstein list” of powerful associates never existed—contradicting Bondi’s earlier claim that it was on her desk.
• FBI Director Kash Patel is also reportedly frustrated and may join Bongino if Bondi remains in office, according to Mary Margaret Olohan of The Daily Wire.
• Bongino reportedly walked off the job Friday in protest. His social media accounts have gone silent since Wednesday, signaling serious intent to quit, per sources close to the administration.

What they’re saying:

The backstory:

Bondi attracted criticism earlier this year when she publicly claimed to have Epstein’s client list on her desk—a statement she later walked back. Her reversal has raised questions about transparency and internal communication within the DOJ.

The controversy intensified when the DOJ and FBI released over 10 hours of surveillance footage from Epstein’s jail hallway—only for viewers to notice that a crucial minute appeared to be missing from the video.

According to The Daily Wire, Bongino has reportedly issued an ultimatum: he will not continue working alongside Bondi, who he feels mishandled the rollout of the files and misled the public.

The bottom line:

If Bongino follows through with his resignation and Patel joins him, the Trump administration could face a crisis of credibility within its top law enforcement agencies. Bondi’s next moves may determine whether the FBI leadership undergoes a significant shakeup over the Epstein files controversy.