Tensions Escalate at FBI: Kash Patel and Dan Bongino Threaten Resignation Over Clash with AG Pam Bondi
Washington, D.C. – July 12, 2025 – A deepening rift within the Trump administration has erupted into a full-blown crisis, with reports indicating that FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino are considering resigning over their frustration with Attorney General Pam Bondi’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files. The conflict, which has sparked widespread speculation and outrage among conservative circles, centers on the Justice Department’s decision to withhold additional documents related to the Epstein case, contradicting earlier promises of transparency.
The Epstein Files Controversy
The controversy stems from a joint FBI and Justice Department memo released on Monday, which stated that no “client list” of Jeffrey Epstein’s associates exists and that no further charges would be pursued in the case. This announcement came as a shock to many in the MAGA base, who had been led to believe by Bondi’s earlier statements that significant revelations, including a list of Epstein’s high-profile clients, were forthcoming. In February, Bondi had told Fox News that such a list was “sitting on my desk right now to review,” raising expectations of bombshell disclosures. However, the subsequent backtrack has fueled accusations of a cover-up and eroded trust among Trump supporters.
The memo also confirmed that Epstein, the convicted sex trafficker who died in a New York City prison cell in 2019, took his own life, dispelling long-standing conspiracy theories about his death. This conclusion, endorsed by Patel and Bongino despite their prior promotion of such theories, has further inflamed tensions, particularly among conservative influencers like Laura Loomer, who have accused Bondi of misleading the public.
A Heated White House Confrontation
The situation reached a boiling point during a heated meeting on Wednesday at the White House, attended by Bondi, Patel, Bongino, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich. Sources report that the confrontation centered on a news story suggesting that Patel and Bongino were dissatisfied with Bondi’s decision to withhold additional Epstein files. The clash reportedly escalated, with Bongino expressing outrage over what he perceived as a lack of transparency and accountability from the Justice Department.
Following the meeting, Bongino took a day off from work on Friday, a move described by some as a protest against Bondi’s leadership. According to Axios, Bongino has made it clear to those close to him that he will not continue working at the FBI if Bondi remains Attorney General. A source close to the Justice Department told the Daily Wire that Patel shares Bongino’s frustration and is considering resigning if Bongino follows through on his threat to leave.
Patel’s Stance and Broader Frustrations
Kash Patel, who was appointed FBI Director by President Trump, has reportedly expressed frustration not only with the Epstein files but also with other documents Bondi has allegedly withheld, including those related to the origins of COVID-19 and Chinese election interference. Sources close to Patel indicate that he has told his inner circle he could leave the Trump administration if the situation with Bondi does not change. This sentiment was echoed by conservative commentator Mary Margaret Olohan, who posted on X, “Source close to DOJ says Kash Patel also wants Pam Bondi gone, and that he’d consider leaving if Bongino leaves. Also that there are more frustrations with other documents Bondi hasn’t released.”
The Daily Wire further reported that Patel and Bongino were involved in drafting the Epstein memo, alongside Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, starting in early July. While they signed off on the strategy, their subsequent dissatisfaction suggests internal miscommunications or a shift in perspective after the memo’s release sparked backlash.
MAGA Base Reacts with Fury
The fallout from the Epstein memo has sent shockwaves through the MAGA movement, with prominent figures like Laura Loomer and Nick Sortor calling for Bondi’s immediate dismissal. Loomer, a vocal Trump ally, posted on X that Patel and Bongino are “LIVID” with Bondi, accusing her of causing blowback due to her “lack of transparency.” Sortor went further, stating, “This should be the END of the conversation. BONDI MUST BE FIRED.” Other posts on X from users like @wdmorgan2 and @JosiahMarti76 have echoed this sentiment, framing the situation as a “showdown” and rallying support for Patel and Bongino.
The backlash has not been limited to social media. At a MAGA event on Friday, former Trump adviser Steve Bannon was confronted with questions about whether the administration’s handling of the Epstein case signaled a betrayal of its base. One attendee reportedly asked, “Trump has become the Deep State. What is more Deep State than covering up for pedophiles?” The sentiment reflects growing distrust among some Trump supporters, who see the withholding of Epstein-related documents as a failure to deliver on promises of accountability.
White House and DOJ Response
The White House has pushed back against what it calls “baseless” reports of division within the administration. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended Bondi, stating, “President Trump is proud of Bondi. The continued fixation on sowing division in President Trump’s Cabinet is baseless and unfounded in reality.” Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche also took to X to clarify that he worked closely with Patel and Bongino on the Epstein memo, suggesting a unified front at the time of its drafting. However, these statements have done little to quell speculation about internal strife.
Fox News reported that both Patel and Bondi intend to remain in their positions, despite the tensions. Meanwhile, Bongino’s absence from work on Friday and his reported ultimatum have fueled rumors that his departure may be imminent. Former FBI agent Kyle Seraphin, speaking to Infowars’ Alex Jones, predicted earlier this week that Bongino might not last in his role through the year, a prophecy that now seems increasingly plausible.
Broader Implications
The crisis highlights deeper tensions within the Trump administration, particularly between its law enforcement and justice arms. Patel and Bongino, both former media figures known for promoting conservative narratives, were appointed to lead the FBI with a mandate to challenge the so-called “Deep State.” Their clash with Bondi, a long-time Trump ally, underscores the challenges of aligning ideological goals with bureaucratic realities.
The Epstein case, with its lingering questions about powerful individuals potentially implicated in the disgraced financier’s activities, remains a lightning rod for public and political scrutiny. The Justice Department’s assertion that no further disclosures are warranted has only deepened skepticism among those who believe critical information is being suppressed.
As of now, neither Patel nor Bongino has issued an official statement confirming their intentions to resign, and the White House has not commented on the specific allegations regarding Bondi’s handling of other investigations. However, the growing chorus of voices demanding Bondi’s ouster, coupled with the reported frustrations of two of the FBI’s top officials, suggests that the Trump administration faces a critical test of its unity and credibility.
Note: This article is based on reports and posts circulating as of July 12, 2025, and reflects the current sentiment and allegations. Developments are ongoing, and official statements from the parties involved may provide further clarity.
