President Donald Trump expressed confidence in FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino amid the fallout from the case involving disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
During a press gaggle at Joint Base Andrews on Sunday evening, Trump was asked if Bongino was still the deputy FBI director and whether the two men had spoken recently.
“Oh I think so. I did, I spoke to him today. Dan Bongino, very good guy. I’ve known him a long time. I’ve done his show many many times. He sounded terrific, actually. No, I think he’s in good shape,” Trump said.
Bongino has been at the center of the internal conflict over the Epstein case, according to a person close to the situation, who claims that the deputy director is unhappy about how the records were handled and has argued with Justice Department authorities.
WATCH:
The White House, meanwhile, called any indications of divisions “baseless.”
“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,” White House spokesperson Harrison Fields said in a statement.
“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 in restoring public safety and pursuing justice for all.”
FBI Director Kash Patel has responded amid the fallout from reports of internal division and chaos over the Justice Department’s memo last week announcing it was moving on from the Jeffrey Epstein case.
Patel stated on social media that he’s not going anywhere after rumors swirled that he might resign if Deputy Director Dan Bongino stepped down over disagreements with how Bondi handled the situation.
Patel posted on X, “The conspiracy theories just aren’t true, never have been. It’s an honor to serve the President of the United States Donald Trump — and I’ll continue to do so for as long as he calls on me.”
His post came after reports on Friday suggested that he could leave the administration if Bongino quit, following a reported clash between Bongino andBondi over alleged Epstein files.
White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Harrison Fields issued a statement as well, pushing back on the speculation.
“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,” Fields said. “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 in restoring public safety and pursuing justice for all,” he added.
The internal tension came after a DOJ memo was leaked to the press, stating that Epstein had killed himself in jail in 2019. It also concluded there was “no incriminating client list,” and no evidence Epstein was blackmailing elites.
The reports about Bongino possibly exiting over the Epstein case appear more credible. Laura Loomer first brought the issue to light, and multiple outlets have confirmed it.
According to Fox News, Bongino got into a heated exchange with Bondi during a meeting with White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and ended up walking out.
Bondi has publicly stated there’s no Epstein “client list,” and said no further files will be released. That shocked and angered many in the MAGA base, especially after her earlier promises of full transparency.
President Trump took to Truth Social on Saturday to defend Bondi after backlash erupted over her stance on the Epstein case.
In response to the fallout, Trump backed her up, calling her “FANTASTIC” and warning that division within the movement only plays into the hands of the left.
