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Bongino Threatens to Resign from FBI Over Bondi-Epstein Fallout, Source Says

Dan Bongino
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Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino is reportedly threatening to resign unless Attorney General Pam Bondi steps down, according to a source close to the matter. The internal clash stems from Bondi’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, which Bongino views as a major breach of public trust.

Bongino, who joined the Trump administration earlier this year after leaving a successful career in broadcasting, has made it clear behind closed doors that he’s unwilling to continue working alongside Bondi. He was notably absent from FBI headquarters on Friday, following what sources describe as a heated confrontation earlier in the week.

The feud intensified after the Department of Justice publicly stated there was no evidence Epstein had a client list, had blackmailed powerful elites, or was murdered. The findings contradicted Bondi’s public remarks from February, when she claimed to have a client list “on her desk” and pledged major disclosures. She later walked back that claim, saying she was referring generally to the Epstein file alongside the JFK and MLK records.

The DOJ’s release of over 10 hours of surveillance footage from Epstein’s jail wing only fueled further controversy after it was revealed that one minute of footage was inexplicably missing. Bondi and the DOJ have faced backlash for failing to provide conclusive answers, reigniting speculation and public frustration.

Bongino, who had previously raised concerns about Epstein’s death before joining the FBI, stated in May that his own review of the evidence confirmed Epstein died by suicide. FBI Director Kash Patel echoed that conclusion. However, insiders say Bongino remains frustrated with how Bondi handled the case and the public messaging surrounding it.

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One source told Axios bluntly: “He ain’t coming back.”

Despite the rumors, administration officials maintain that Bongino remains at his post—for now. His official social media accounts have gone quiet since Wednesday, further fueling speculation about his possible resignation.

The tension spilled over into a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, where Bondi tried to clarify her earlier remarks. President Trump came to her defense, blasting a reporter for raising the Epstein issue amid ongoing national crises.

“That is unbelievable,” Trump said. “I mean I can’t believe you’re asking a question on Epstein at a time like this when we’re having some of the greatest success and also tragedy with what happened in Texas. It just seems like a desecration.”

Whether Bongino follows through with his resignation threat remains to be seen, but the internal rift exposes growing fractures inside the Trump administration’s top law enforcement ranks.