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Trump Defends AG Bondi as MAGA Base Revolts Over Epstein Files – DOJ Confirms No “Client List” Exists

Published on www.clickusanews.com | Last Updated: July 13, 2025

Overview

On July 13, 2025, a significant rift emerged within the MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement as President Donald Trump defended his Attorney General, Pam Bondi, against backlash from his core supporters. The controversy centers on the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case, with prominent conservative figures and MAGA supporters demanding accountability over what they perceive as a cover-up. A recent Department of Justice (DOJ) and FBI memo debunking key Epstein-related conspiracy theories has intensified the dispute, leading to internal clashes within Trump’s administration and public outcry from his base. Trump, however, has dismissed the Epstein controversy as a distraction and redirected attention to his priorities, including 2020 election fraud claims.

Trump’s Defense of Pam Bondi

On Saturday, July 12, 2025, President Trump posted a nearly 400-word statement on Truth Social, his social media platform, to defend Attorney General Pam Bondi. Describing her work as “FANTASTIC,” Trump expressed frustration with critics within his MAGA base, including prominent figures like Laura Loomer, Elon Musk, and Steve Bannon, who have called for Bondi’s resignation. In his post, Trump emphasized unity within the MAGA movement, stating:

“What’s going on with my ‘boys’ and, in some cases, ‘gals?’ They’re all going after Attorney General Pam Bondi, who is doing a FANTASTIC JOB! We’re on one Team, MAGA, and I don’t like what’s happening.”

Trump framed the Epstein controversy as a Democratic ploy, blaming figures like Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and former FBI Director James Comey for creating the so-called “Epstein Files.” He questioned why these files, if damaging, were not released earlier, suggesting they are a distraction from more pressing issues. During a Cabinet meeting, Trump further downplayed Epstein’s relevance, calling him a “creep” and expressing disbelief that the case still garners attention, stating, “Are people still talking about this guy? That is unbelievable.”

DOJ Memo Fuels Controversy

The spark for the current uproar was a joint DOJ and FBI memo released on Monday, July 7, 2025, which addressed long-standing conspiracy theories surrounding Jeffrey Epstein’s case. The memo made three key points:

1. No “Client List” Exists: The DOJ confirmed there is no list of powerful figures linked to Epstein’s crimes, debunking a popular theory among MAGA supporters that such a list would expose high-profile individuals.
2. Epstein’s Death Ruled Suicide: The memo reaffirmed the official 2019 ruling that Epstein’s death in a Manhattan jail cell was a suicide, finding no evidence of foul play or murder.
3. No Further Document Releases: Citing victim privacy, the DOJ stated that no additional Epstein-related documents would be released.

This memo directly contradicted earlier statements by Attorney General Bondi, who in February 2025 claimed that an Epstein “client list” was “sitting on my desk.” Bondi later clarified that she was referring to broader case files, not a specific list of clients. Her walk-back failed to quell skepticism among MAGA supporters, who viewed the DOJ’s memo as evidence of a cover-up.

MAGA Backlash and Internal Tensions

The DOJ memo triggered a swift and intense backlash from Trump’s base, who had anticipated explosive revelations about Epstein’s connections to powerful elites. Key figures within the conservative movement voiced their discontent:

• Steve Bannon, a prominent Trump ally, called for a special counsel to take over the Epstein case, claiming that sentiment at a conservative conference was “100% against Bondi.”
• Laura Loomer and Elon Musk, influential voices in the MAGA sphere, accused Bondi of orchestrating or enabling a cover-up, amplifying calls for her resignation.
• Dan Bongino, the FBI Deputy Director and former conservative podcaster known for promoting Epstein conspiracy theories, reportedly clashed with Bondi over the handling of the case. Sources indicate Bongino is considering resigning, highlighting deep divisions within Trump’s administration.

The discontent was palpable at the Turning Point USA summit in Tampa, where attendees, polled by commentator Megyn Kelly, overwhelmingly supported Bongino over Bondi, chanting his name in a show of solidarity.

Trump’s Pivot to Other Priorities

Amid the growing unrest, Trump sought to redirect the narrative to issues he considers more critical to his agenda. In his Truth Social post and public statements, he urged the FBI and DOJ to focus on:

• Investigating 2020 Election Fraud: Trump reiterated claims that the 2020 election was “rigged and stolen,” pushing for renewed scrutiny of alleged irregularities.
• Targeting ActBlue: He called for investigations into ActBlue, a Democratic fundraising platform, suggesting it is a source of political corruption.
• Addressing Border Security and Economic Issues: Trump emphasized these as core priorities for his administration, dismissing the Epstein case as a distraction.

By framing the Epstein controversy as irrelevant and orchestrated by Democrats, Trump aimed to refocus his base on issues central to his political platform.

Context and Implications

The Epstein case has long been a lightning rod for conspiracy theories, with many believing that powerful individuals were complicit in or protected from Epstein’s crimes. The expectation of a “client list” revealing elite involvement has been a rallying point for some MAGA supporters, who see the lack of such a list as evidence of institutional corruption. Bondi’s initial claim about a list, followed by the DOJ’s denial, has eroded trust among some of Trump’s most loyal supporters, creating a rare fracture within the MAGA movement.

The internal clash between Bondi and Bongino, coupled with public criticism from figures like Bannon, Loomer, and Musk, underscores the challenge Trump faces in maintaining unity. The Turning Point USA summit’s reaction suggests that grassroots supporters are aligning with Bongino’s skepticism rather than Bondi’s leadership. Trump’s defense of Bondi and dismissal of Epstein’s relevance may risk alienating parts of his base, who view the case as emblematic of broader issues of accountability and transparency.

Conclusion

As of July 13, 2025, the Epstein controversy has exposed tensions within Trump’s administration and his broader MAGA coalition. While Trump defends Attorney General Pam Bondi and pivots to election fraud and other priorities, the DOJ’s memo debunking key Epstein conspiracy theories has fueled distrust among supporters. The clash between Bondi and FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino, alongside public demands for Bondi’s resignation from influential conservatives, highlights a rare moment of disunity. How Trump navigates this internal revolt while maintaining his base’s loyalty will likely shape the trajectory of his administration’s focus on contentious issues like the Epstein case.

The Epstein fallout has exposed rare fractures in Trump’s base, with Bondi becoming a lightning rod for frustration over unmet expectations. While Trump insists on unity, the controversy threatens to overshadow his administration’s agenda unless resolved.

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