FBI deputy chief Dan Bongino MIA from work after clash over Epstein files with AG Pam Bondi: report

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino wasn’t at work Friday after he clashed with Attorney General Pam Bondi over the Epstein files, according to a new report.

Bongino clashed with Bondi at the White House on Wednesday over the recent memo from the FBI and Justice Department revealing that Jeffrey Epstein did not keep a “client list,” Axios reports. The memo also confirmed that Epstein died by suicide in a New York City jail cell on August 10, 2019, following years of conspiracy theories surrounding the disgraced financier’s death.

The move came a month after billionaire Elon Musk accused President Donald Trump of appearing in the so-called Epstein files, which are redacted court documents that name his alleged associates and victims. Epstein died shortly after he was indicted on federal sex trafficking charges.

Bondi confronted Bongino over a NewsNation article which reported that he and FBI Direction Kash Patel said they wanted more information about the Epstein files released earlier, but were held back from doing so, Axios reported.

Bongino reportedly told Bondi he didn’t leak that information.

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich and Patel all witnessed the clash, according to the outlet.

A source close to Bongino told Axios that he “ain’t coming back” after skipping work today. CNN’s Kaitlan Collins has also reported that sources say Bongino is poised to quit.

The Justice Department’s memo included a ten-hour video from outside Epstein’s cell, arguing that it shows no one entered the room before the financier died by suicide. But many conspiracy theorists online claim the video has a “missing minute” and is part of a wider cover-up effort surrounding Epstein’s death.

A senior administration official claims that Bongino was in favor of releasing this video until it stirred up controversy.

"Bongino found the video with the missing minute. He vouched for it after a 'thorough review,' he said, and he thought this would end the matter,” the senior official told Axios. “When that didn't work, he lost his mind and ran out of D.C.”

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche says that Bongino and Patel both signed off on the memo.

“I worked closely with Patel and Bongino on the joint FBI and DOJ memo regarding the Epstein Files,” Blanche wrote on X. “All of us signed off on the contents of the memo and the conclusions stated in the memo."

Far-right activist Laura Loomer claims Bongino and Patel are both “furious” with Bondi over the “lack of transparency” on the Epstein files. Bongino and Patel were previously some of the most high-profile MAGA influencers who questioned how Epstein died. Since joining the FBI, the pair have stopped pushing the conspiracy that Epstein was murdered.

Loomer later wrote on X that Bongino is “seriously thinking” about resigning over the issue, unless Trump moves to fire Bondi. Loomer has long criticized Bondi’s handling of the Epstein files, and called for her to resign over the recent memo.

“Blondi lied,” Loomer posted on X shortly after news of the memo broke. “She was always lying.”

Bondi released a set of files related to Epstein’s case in February, but she was quickly mocked by figures on both sides of the political aisle after it was revealed there was little new information in the documents. Critics described the release as a “debacle” and an “absolute clown show.” Loomer was one of those critics, calling Bondi “unprofessional” and a “liar.”

The Independent has contacted the FBI and Justice Department for comment.

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