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By Gabe Whisnant
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In a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche rebuked any "daylight" between the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) regarding conclusions reached in the Jeffrey Epstein files memo.
Blanche said that President Donald Trump's DOJ, led by Attorney General Pam Bondi, worked closely with FBI director Kash Patel and his deputy, Dan Bongino, on the unsigned memo that concluded that the convicted sex offender had died by suicide in a New York jail in 2019 and did not have a "client list."
Blanche posted, "I worked closely with @FBIDirectorKash and @FBIDDBongino on the joint FBI and DOJ memo regarding the Epstein Files. All of us signed off on the contents of the memo and the conclusions stated in the memo. The suggestion by anyone that there was any daylight between the FBI and DOJ leadership on this memo's composition and release is patently false."
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When reached via email, the DOJ directed Newsweek to Blanche's post. Newsweek has reached out to the FBI via email on Friday afternoon for comment.
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Why It Matters
Earlier this week, the Department of Justice and FBI announced the results of a joint review of "investigative holdings relating to Jeffrey Epstein," concluding that the convicted sex offender had died by suicide in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting further sex trafficking charges.
The agencies also said Epstein did not have a "client list," something Trump, a former longtime friend of Epstein, suggested during his presidential campaign that he would release if elected.
Before Trump's return to office, Patel and Bongino called on the bureau to release information about Epstein.
What to Know
Based on widespread reporting, Bongino is reportedly considering resigning following a major dispute between the FBI and the Justice Department over the fallout from the release of the Jeffrey Epstein memo.
Earlier in the day, Axios reported that Bongino took a day off from work Friday after "clashing" at the White House with Bondi on Wednesday over their handling of the Epstein files, citing four sources familiar with the conflict. According to Axios, Bongino, who has previously promoted Epstein-related conspiracy theories, was frustrated with Bondi's management of the situation, particularly her earlier promises about releasing a "client list" that ultimately did not materialize.
Ken Dilanian of NBC News posted on X, "Bongino is out of control furious. This destroyed his career. He's threatening to quit and torch Pam unless she's fired."
In February, Bondi fueled speculation about such a list being "on her desk right now" when announcing the release of records related to Epstein's case. But much of what the government later distributed had been in the public domain for years.
Axios and CNN reported that Bongino was blamed for oversight about the "missing minute" in the Epstein video. He was also asked about a NewsNation article published Wednesday claiming that he and Patel had pushed for the earlier release of Epstein-related information but were blocked. Bongino denied being the source of that claim.
The news outlets said White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich, along with Patel, were in the room during their interaction.
"Pam said her piece. Dan said his piece. It didn't end on friendly terms," one person briefed on the heated discussion told Axios, which also reported that, "Bongino left angry" on Wednesday.
Conservatives have taken to social media to largely back Bongino in the apparent fallout with Bondi.
When Did Jeffrey Epstein Die?
Jeffrey Epstein died on August 10, 2019, in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York City. The New York City medical examiner ruled his death a suicide by hanging. Epstein's death occurred while he was awaiting trial on federal charges of sex trafficking minors. His death led to widespread speculation and conspiracy theories due to the high-profile nature of his case and associations.
What is the Conspiracy Involving Jeffrey Epstein's Death?
Following Epstein's death, numerous conspiracy theories emerged, suggesting he was murdered to prevent him from implicating powerful individuals. Factors fueling these theories included the malfunctioning of security cameras outside his cell, the absence of a cellmate at the time of his death, and the failure of guards to perform regular checks. Despite these anomalies, official investigations by the FBI and the Department of Justice concluded that Epstein died by suicide, with no evidence supporting foul play.
Does Jeffrey Epstein's Client List Exist?
The existence of a "client list" detailing individuals involved in Epstein's alleged activities has been a topic of speculation. However, a joint review by the Department of Justice and the FBI found no evidence that such a list exists. The FBI and DOJ's conclusion has sparked criticism from members of the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement.
What People Are Saying
Far-right media personality, Laura Loomer, posted on X on Friday, "@FBIDirectorKash and @dbongino are LIVID with @AGPamBondi over her DOJ Memo and the lack of transparency from her office regarding the Jeffery Epstein files. Source tells me Dan Bongino is taking the day off today from his job as Deputy Director of the FBI, and there's now speculation on whether or not he will return to his job at the @FBI over his disgust with Blondi's lack of transparency and handling of the Epstein files. Pam Blondi has brought total embarrassment to President Trump, @JDVance ,@dbongino and @Kash_Patel."
Her lengthy post continued, "She has also LIED to the American people. I'm told Kash and Bongino are furious with Blondi and the blowback she has caused them with her lack of transparency. Kash Patel and Dan Bongino should call for Blondi's public resignation today to save themselves and to also push for full transparency into the Epstein files. This is an issue the American people care deeply about. Someone needs to be fired for this. Giving Blondi courtesy to resign is more than she deserves. Trump should just FIRE her."
During a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, a reporter questioned Bondi about Epstein. As she began to reply, Trump interrupted and said: "Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein? This guy's been talked about for years. You're asking—we have Texas. We have this. We have all of the things. And are people still talking about this guy, this creep?
"Do you wanna waste the time," he continued, adding: "I mean I can't believe you're asking a question on Epstein at a time like this, where we're having some of the greatest success and also tragedy with what happened in Texas. It just seems like a desecration."
Conservative commentator Glenn Beck said in a video posted to X, "But America can't lose Dan Bongino. He has SO MUCH CREDIBILITY. Everybody knows him, loves him. Pam Bondi has created so much DOUBT and CHAOS in this whole thing...either it's a MASSIVE COVER-UP or she's just FOULED IT UP...PLEASE, let's NOT LOSE DAN BONGINO...FIRE Pam Bondi and KEEP DAN BONGINO, please!"
What Happens Next
The DOJ and FBI determined that "no further disclosure would be appropriate or warranted" regarding Epstein. Backlash to this decision prevails.
This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.
Update: 7/11/25, 12:23 p.m. ET: This article was updated with newi nformation and remarks.
Update: 7/11/25, 1:14 p.m. ET: This article was updated with new information and remarks.
Update: 7/11/25, 2:14 p.m. ET: This article was updated with new information.
Update: 7/11/25, 5:40 p.m. ET: This article was updated with new remarks.
Update: 7/11/25, 6:04 p.m. ET: This article was updated with new remarks.
Update: 7/11/25, 7:12 p.m. ET: This article was updated with new information.
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