Tensions within the Trump administration have escalated to a boiling point, with reports indicating that FBI Director Kash Patel may resign alongside Deputy Director Dan Bongino if Attorney General Pam Bondi remains in her position and Bongino departs. The internal conflict, centered on the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case, has sparked a public feud that threatens to destabilize key leadership within the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FBI.
According to multiple sources, including a report from The Daily Wire, the rift stems from a heated confrontation at the White House on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, involving Bondi, Bongino, Patel, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich.
The dispute erupted over the DOJ’s release of a memo on July 6, which concluded that no “client list” of Jeffrey Epstein’s associates existed and that his 2019 death in a New York City prison cell was a suicide, not a murder. This conclusion contradicted earlier promises by Bondi, who in February 2025 claimed on Fox News that she had Epstein’s client list on her desk for review, raising expectations among conservative influencers and the public for significant disclosures.
Bongino, a former conservative podcaster with no prior FBI experience, reportedly clashed with Bondi over what he perceived as her mismanagement of the Epstein files. Sources say Bongino was frustrated by Bondi’s failure to deliver on promised revelations and her handling of a 10-hour surveillance video from outside Epstein’s cell, which contained a missing minute that fueled online conspiracy theories. Bongino, who discovered the video and initially vouched for its integrity as evidence of Epstein’s suicide, faced internal blame for the oversight.
His frustration culminated in him taking a day off from work on Friday, July 11, prompting speculation about his potential resignation. A source close to Bongino told Axios, “He ain’t coming back,” though administration officials insist he remains on the job.
Adding fuel to the fire, The Daily Wire’s Mary Margaret Olohan reported on X that Patel, too, is considering stepping down if Bongino leaves and Bondi stays. Sources close to the DOJ indicate that Patel shares Bongino’s frustration with Bondi, particularly over her failure to release additional documents related to the Epstein case and other unspecified matters. “Source close to DOJ says Kash Patel also wants Pam Bondi gone, and that he’d consider leaving if Bongino leaves,” Olohan posted on July 11, 2025. This sentiment was echoed across X, with users like @YouKnoImHim and @TheCalvinCooli1 amplifying the report, signaling widespread discontent among conservative circles.
However, conflicting reports have emerged. Fox News cited sources stating that both Patel and Bondi have “every intention to stay and serve,” suggesting that the narrative of their potential resignations may be overstated.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche also pushed back on claims of discord, asserting on X that he, Patel, and Bongino “worked closely” on the Epstein memo and that suggestions of a rift between FBI and DOJ leadership are “patently false.” Despite these denials, the public spat has drawn significant attention, with far-right influencer Laura Loomer, a vocal critic of Bondi, claiming that both Patel and Bongino are “livid” over Bondi’s “lack of transparency.” Loomer has called for Bondi’s resignation, accusing her of “lying” about the Epstein files.
The controversy has placed President Donald Trump in a delicate position. Trump, who has historically downplayed Epstein-related discussions, expressed exasperation during a cabinet meeting on July 8, 2025, asking reporters, “Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein?” A senior White House official told Axios that Trump “loves Pam and thinks she’s great,” indicating that Bondi may have his support, which could force Patel and Bongino to follow through on their resignation threats if they choose to escalate the conflict.
The Epstein case has long been a lightning rod for conspiracy theories, particularly among Trump’s base, who have speculated about a supposed “client list” involving high-profile figures. The DOJ’s memo, released on the Sunday before the July 4th weekend, was criticized for its timing and lack of official signatures, further fueling distrust. Both Patel and Bongino, who previously promoted Epstein-related conspiracies as conservative commentators, have faced pressure from their supporters to deliver on promises of transparency, making Bondi’s perceived backtracking a flashpoint.
As the situation unfolds, the potential departure of Patel and Bongino could have significant implications for the FBI. Both figures, appointed by Trump in early 2025, have been controversial due to their lack of FBI experience and histories of promoting right-wing narratives. Patel, a former prosecutor and Trump loyalist, has pushed for significant restructuring within the bureau, including plans to reassign 1,500 agents and staff from Washington, D.C., to field offices—a move that has already sparked unease among career agents. Bongino, a former Secret Service agent and Fox News commentator, has similarly faced skepticism for his inflammatory rhetoric and calls to fire agents involved in Trump-related investigations.
The Senate’s reaction to potential vacancies remains uncertain. While Patel’s confirmation in January 2025 faced opposition from Democrats and some Republicans, the Senate ultimately approved him, with only Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski voting against. A new confirmation battle could test the Senate’s patience, particularly given concerns about Trump’s preference for loyalists over experienced law enforcement professionals.
For now, the Trump administration faces a critical juncture. The clash between Bondi, Patel, and Bongino underscores deeper tensions over transparency, loyalty, and the handling of politically charged issues. As one X user,
@BovodioToad, quipped, “Sounds like everyone wants an AG that is more than just eye candy for Fox viewers.” Whether Trump intervenes to resolve the conflict or allows resignations to proceed could shape the trajectory of his administration’s law enforcement agenda.Neither the White House, the DOJ, nor the FBI has issued an official statement confirming the resignation rumors. As the situation develops, all eyes will be on Trump’s next move and whether he can unify his “law and order team” amidst growing public and internal discord.
