Things are heating up behind the scenes of Donald Trump’s White House, and it’s not just politics as usual.
The release of the controversial Jeffrey Epstein files has created a storm within Trump’s Justice Department — and now, top FBI leaders are threatening to walk away if Attorney General Pam Bondi isn’t held accountable.
Fallout After Epstein File Debacle
Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino and FBI chief Kash Patel are reportedly both ready to hand in their resignations over how Bondi’s Justice Department handled the much-anticipated Epstein documents.
According to insiders, Bongino clashed so fiercely with Bondi on Wednesday that he didn’t even show up for work on Friday.
That absence immediately raised red flags, with rumors swirling that he had already quit.
“Bondi Must Go” or Bongino Will
A source inside the DOJ told the Daily Mail that Bongino won’t stick around if Bondi keeps her job.
“I don’t see a scenario where Dan stays if Bondi remains,” they revealed.
The rift appears to be deep — and growing — especially since Patel has also signaled he might walk if Bongino does.
According to the Daily Wire, Patel is aligned with Bongino in wanting Bondi removed, saying he’d consider stepping down too if she’s allowed to stay.
The Epstein Memo That Sparked It All
The drama began after a mysterious memo was released last Sunday — complete with DOJ and FBI seals — concluding that Jeffrey Epstein was not murdered in prison and that there was no client list among the files.
The memo was unsigned, and its contents infuriated many within Trump’s base who had expected bombshell revelations.
Trump Defends Bondi Amid MAGA Outrage
Despite the uproar, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stood firmly behind Bondi, saying Trump was “proud” of his attorney general and slammed media coverage for trying to create division inside the Cabinet.
But her comments haven’t stopped the backlash from conservative circles demanding transparency — and heads to roll.
Bongino’s Longstanding Conspiracies Collide with DOJ Reality
Before taking on his FBI role, Bongino publicly supported theories that Epstein didn’t die by suicide — something the memo directly contradicts.
An insider said Bongino didn’t need the job but took it out of loyalty to Trump.
Now, that loyalty is being tested. “This completely botched release was an attempted forced compliance,” the source said, accusing the DOJ of hoarding power over what the public gets to see.
More Than Epstein: DOJ Accused of Dragging Its Feet
Bondi’s DOJ isn’t just under fire for Epstein.
Some close to Bongino and Patel believe the department is also deliberately slowing down other sensitive investigations — including probes into the origins of COVID-19 and alleged Chinese election meddling.
That frustration is only growing inside FBI leadership.
The “Missing Minutes” That Fueled the Fire
One of the key points of tension came after the DOJ released nearly 11 hours of prison surveillance footage from the night Epstein died — with about one minute of footage mysteriously missing due to a system reset.
While authorities brushed it off as a routine gap in recording, conspiracy theorists immediately zeroed in on it, calling it suspicious.
Adding to the skepticism, critics noted that the footage didn’t clearly show Epstein entering his cell — his face was conveniently hidden behind a railing, leading many to believe the official narrative still has holes.
Bondi’s Explanation Doesn’t Satisfy Critics
Bondi tried to clear the air, claiming she never promised a “client list” specifically, but was referring to the broader Epstein file collection.
Still, many in Trump’s MAGA base are accusing her of misleading the public.
Some recall a Fox News appearance earlier this year where she allegedly said she had the list “on her desk” ready for release — a claim now contradicted by the DOJ memo.
Pressure Mounts as MAGA Demands Accountability
As Trump and Bondi look to put the Epstein saga behind them, public opinion — especially from Trump’s most loyal supporters — suggests that won’t be easy.
With Bongino and Patel both pushing back hard, the pressure on Bondi is far from over.
Whether she stays or goes could very well determine if key players at the top of Trump’s FBI decide to stick around — or walk away altogether.