The Justice Department has addressed reports of a dispute between Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino regarding the handling of Jeffrey Epstein’s files.
These reports followed the DOJ’s earlier statement that no “files” exist related to the late convicted sex offender.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche denied any internal disagreements between Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Bongino.
He specifically rejected claims that Bongino took time off due to frustration with Bondi’s approach to the Epstein case.
Conservative commentator Laura Loomer sparked the rumors on X, claiming Bongino was absent from work because of dissatisfaction with Bondi’s “lack of transparency” about the Epstein files. Some media outlets, including Axios, supported Loomer’s assertions.
Blanche responded on social media, stating he had worked closely with Patel and Bongino on a joint FBI-DOJ memo concerning Epstein’s records. He emphasized that all parties approved the memo’s content and conclusions, calling suggestions of discord “patently false.”
Despite Blanche’s denial, Loomer questioned why no officials signed the leaked memo that declared no evidence of a blackmail operation was found. She claimed her sources indicated the FBI wanted to release more information on Epstein, but Bondi and the DOJ opposed it, causing tensions