On July 12, 2025, President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to defend Attorney General Pam Bondi, who has faced intense scrutiny from some of his supporters over the Justice Department’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case. The uproar stems from a recent Justice Department memo that debunked long-standing rumors about Epstein’s so-called “client list” and confirmed his 2019 death as a suicide. This has sparked tensions within Trump’s administration, particularly between Bondi and FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino, with rumors swirling about potential resignations.
The Epstein Files: A Divisive Issue
Jeffrey Epstein, a financier and convicted sex offender, died in a New York jail cell in August 2019 while awaiting further charges for sex trafficking. His death has fueled conspiracy theories for years, with many speculating about a hidden “client list” of powerful individuals allegedly involved in his crimes. Earlier this year, Bondi suggested on Fox News that she was reviewing a “truckload” of Epstein-related documents, including flight logs and names, raising expectations among some Trump supporters for major revelations.
However, a Justice Department and FBI joint memo released on July 7, 2025, concluded that no such “incriminating client list” existed and that Epstein’s death was a suicide, impacting over a thousand victims. This disappointed some MAGA supporters, including far-right influencer Laura Loomer and billionaire Elon Musk, who had hoped for evidence exposing a so-called “deep state.” The memo, based on a review of over 300 gigabytes of data, effectively shut down these theories, leading to calls for Bondi’s resignation from some corners of Trump’s base.
Internal Tensions Boil Over
The fallout from the memo led to a reported clash between Bondi and FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino during a heated White House meeting on July 9, 2025. Bongino, who previously speculated about hidden details in the Epstein case, was frustrated by the findings and reportedly took a personal day on July 11 to consider resigning after just four months in his role. Sources told The Post that Bongino’s relationship with Bondi is “beyond repair,” and there’s speculation that FBI Director Kash Patel might also step down if Bongino leaves.
Patel, however, quickly dismissed these rumors on X, stating, “The conspiracy theories just aren’t true, never have been.” He reaffirmed his commitment to serving under Trump, calling it an “honor.” Despite Patel’s public stance, the reported friction highlights a growing divide between the FBI and the Justice Department over the Epstein case.
Trump’s Defense of Bondi
In his Truth Social post, Trump passionately defended Bondi, calling her work “FANTASTIC” and urging his supporters to rally behind her. He described his administration as “PERFECT” and the “TALK OF THE WORLD,” arguing that the focus on Epstein is a distraction from more pressing issues like voter fraud and political corruption. Trump even suggested that the Epstein files were fabricated by political opponents, including former Presidents Obama and Biden and Hillary Clinton, comparing them to the discredited Steele dossier.
“LET PAM BONDI DO HER JOB – SHE’S GREAT!” Trump wrote, emphasizing that the country has rebounded from being “DEAD” a year ago to becoming the “HOTTEST” nation globally. He expressed frustration that Epstein, whom he called a “creep” and “somebody that nobody cares about,” continues to dominate public discourse.
A Polarizing Moment for MAGA
The Epstein case has long been a lightning rod for conspiracy theories, and the recent developments have deepened divisions among Trump’s supporters. Critics like Loomer and Musk have accused Bondi of withholding information, while Trump has pushed back, framing the controversy as a plot by “selfish people” to undermine his administration. At a recent Cabinet meeting, Trump interrupted a reporter’s question about Epstein, exasperatedly asking, “Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein? That is unbelievable.”
As the debate rages on, the Epstein files remain a contentious issue, testing the unity of Trump’s MAGA movement. While Bondi faces pressure from some supporters, Trump’s unwavering support signals his determination to keep her in her role. For now, the administration is focused on moving past the Epstein saga, but the tensions within its ranks suggest that the controversy is far from over.
