During a press gaggle at Joint Base Andrews on Sunday evening, Trump was inquired whether Bongino remained the deputy FBI director and if the two had communicated recently.
“Oh I believe so. I did, I spoke to him today. Dan Bongino, a very good individual. I have known him for a long time. I have appeared on his show numerous times. He sounded excellent, in fact. No, I believe he is in good condition,” Trump remarked.
Bongino has found himself at the heart of the internal discord regarding the Epstein case, as per an individual familiar with the matter, who asserts that the deputy director is dissatisfied with the management of the records and has had disputes with authorities from the Justice Department.
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The White House, in the meantime, dismissed any signs of rifts as “baseless.”
“President Trump has gathered a highly skilled and experienced law and order team committed to safeguarding Americans, holding criminals accountable, and delivering justice to victims,” stated White House spokesperson Harrison Fields in a declaration.
“This effort is being executed smoothly and with cohesion. Any endeavor to instigate division within this team is unfounded and diverts attention from the genuine advancements being made in reinstating public safety and seeking justice for all.”
FBI Director Kash Patel has reacted amidst the aftermath of reports concerning internal division and turmoil following the Justice Department’s memo last week, which announced it was moving on from the Jeffrey Epstein case.
Patel expressed on social media that he is not planning to leave after rumors circulated suggesting he might resign if Deputy Director Dan Bongino stepped down due to disagreements regarding how Bondi managed the situation.
Patel posted on X, “The conspiracy theories are simply not accurate, never have been. It is a privilege to serve President of the United States Donald Trump — and I will continue to do so for as long as he requires my service.”
His post followed reports on Friday indicating that he might depart from the administration if Bongino resigned, subsequent to a reported disagreement between Bongino and Bondi regarding alleged Epstein files.
White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Harrison Fields also released a statement, countering the speculation.
“President Trump has assembled a highly qualified and experienced law and order team committed to safeguarding Americans, holding criminals accountable, and delivering justice to victims,” Fields stated. “This work is being executed seamlessly and with unity.”
“Any effort to create division within this team is unfounded and diverts attention from the genuine progress being made in restoring public safety and seeking justice for all,” he added.
The internal discord arose after a DOJ memo was leaked to the media, which asserted that Epstein had taken his own life in jail in 2019. It also concluded that there was “no incriminating client list,” and no evidence that Epstein was blackmailing elites.
The reports regarding Bongino’s potential departure over the Epstein matter seem increasingly credible. Laura Loomer was the first to highlight the issue, and several outlets have corroborated it.
According to Fox News, Bongino engaged in a heated confrontation with Bondi during a meeting with White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and ultimately walked out.
Bondi has publicly asserted that there is no Epstein “client list,” and stated that no additional files will be disclosed. This revelation shocked and angered many within the MAGA base, particularly following her earlier commitments to full transparency.
President Trump took to Truth Social on Saturday to defend Bondi after backlash ensued regarding her position on the Epstein case.
In light of the fallout, Trump supported her, labeling her as “FANTASTIC” and cautioning that division within the movement only serves the interests of the left.
