Deputy FBI Director Bongino Weighs Resignation Amid Epstein Files Turmoil, Sources Say

Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino is reportedly considering resigning from his post amid escalating tensions between the FBI and the Department of Justice over the release and fallout of the Jeffrey Epstein files, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter.

The potential resignation follows a heated confrontation earlier this week between Bongino and Attorney General Pam Bondi over the Justice Department’s handling of the controversial Epstein memo. Sources told CNN that Bongino has privately expressed frustration and uncertainty about remaining in his role, though he has not made a final decision. The FBI and Bongino have not responded to requests for comment.

White House Rift Over Epstein Memo Intensifies

Axios was the first to report some details of the confrontation, which occurred during a high-level meeting at the White House that included Bongino, Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel, and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. The group reportedly discussed internal leaks related to a story published by NewsNation, which claimed the FBI had pushed for broader disclosure of the Epstein files but was blocked by the DOJ. Bongino denied leaking information to the press, though he did not publicly defend the DOJ’s review of the case.

The meeting was one of several signs of growing discord within Trump’s inner circle. Several senior officials and advisers close to the former president have become increasingly frustrated with Bondi’s management of the Epstein documents, particularly in light of rising public pressure from pro-Trump figures.

Speculation Mounts After Bongino Skips Work

On Friday, Bongino’s absence from work fueled speculation that he had resigned. However, sources confirmed to CNN that as of Friday afternoon, he had not formally stepped down. One source familiar with the matter described the situation as “a complete mess,” with both FBI and DOJ officials unhappy with how the situation has unfolded.

The controversy stems from the recent release of a memo from the Justice Department, which concluded there was no evidence Epstein was murdered or maintained a so-called “client list.” That finding angered many in Trump’s base, who had hoped the files would implicate high-profile individuals and refute the official narrative that Epstein died by suicide in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

Online Outrage and Political Pressure Escalate

Far-right activist Laura Loomer, who has ties to members of Trump’s team, posted on social media that Bongino and Patel were “livid” with Bondi over the handling of the Epstein files. Loomer also claimed Bongino had taken the day off and hinted that he might not return.

In an attempt to calm the narrative, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche posted on X (formerly Twitter) denying any rift between FBI and DOJ leadership, calling rumors of internal conflict “patently false.”

Meanwhile, White House Deputy Press Secretary Harrison Fields defended the administration’s response to the Epstein fallout, stating:

“President Trump has assembled a highly qualified and experienced law and order team dedicated to protecting Americans, holding criminals accountable, and delivering justice to victims. This work is being carried out seamlessly and with unity. Any attempt to sow division within this team is baseless and distracts from the real progress being made.”

Missteps and Mixed Messaging Spark Internal Friction

Sources say Bongino and Patel have long harbored frustration with how the DOJ handled the Epstein case, citing moments of poor communication and confusing public messaging. One flashpoint involved Bondi’s February event at the White House, where she presented binders of Epstein-related documents to pro-Trump social media influencers. The move backfired when it was revealed that most of the files had already been public for years, leading to backlash from her own allies. Patel reportedly had minimal involvement in organizing the event.

Bongino also drew criticism over a surveillance video from the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York, where Epstein was found unresponsive. The deputy director had championed the video as definitive proof that Epstein died by suicide, but the footage drew scrutiny after viewers noticed a 60-second gap. Bondi later explained that the video system resets at midnight each day, skipping the same minute every night—a routine quirk, she said, rather than evidence of foul play. Nonetheless, conspiracy theories swirled, and Bongino faced internal blowback over the incident.

Frustrations Reach Boiling Point

Sources close to the situation say the tension between the FBI and DOJ has been building for months, partly due to Bondi’s early comments suggesting the FBI was still reviewing the case even after it had been formally handed off to the Justice Department. Bongino and Patel reportedly felt sidelined and undermined by how events have unfolded.

As of now, Bongino remains in his position, but insiders suggest that further developments in the Epstein file saga—or continued pressure from within Trump’s circle—could determine whether he ultimately decides to step down.