FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino Reportedly Walks Out After Dispute Over Handling of Epstein Video Evidence
Washington, D.C. – July 12, 2025 — A high-level clash has erupted inside the Trump administration over the handling of documents and video evidence related to Jeffrey Epstein. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino reportedly took an unscheduled day off Friday after a heated argument with Attorney General Pam Bondi inside the White House, according to sources familiar with the matter.
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Why It Matters
The internal dispute comes amid backlash over the administration’s recent statements walking back previous claims about Epstein. Officials now say there is no celebrity “client list” and maintain that Epstein died by suicide in his New York prison cell in 2019, not by foul play.
Missing Minute in Epstein Surveillance Video Fuels Tensions
At the heart of the controversy is a 10-hour surveillance video from outside Epstein’s jail cell, released by the administration as proof that no one entered his room before his death. However, the video reportedly contains a “missing minute,” which has reignited conspiracy theories online, especially among the MAGA base.
Officials say the gap stems from a routine reset of the surveillance system that happens daily at midnight — a process that takes about 60 seconds.
Dan Bongino, formerly a conservative commentator known for pushing Epstein-related conspiracy theories, initially promoted the video as definitive proof Epstein was not murdered. But once the missing minute was uncovered and criticism surged online, Bongino faced internal backlash.
Bongino and Bondi at Odds Over Epstein Case Management
Two sources indicated that Bongino was growing increasingly frustrated with Attorney General Pam Bondi’s management of the case, particularly her public statements suggesting the existence of a client list — a list that reportedly doesn’t exist.
Bongino’s absence from the FBI offices Friday led to speculation that he had resigned. While some insiders claim he won’t return, senior administration officials maintain that he remains in his position.
High-Level Confrontation Inside the White House
The confrontation reportedly took place on Wednesday during a meeting attended by:
- FBI Director Kash Patel
- White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles
- Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich
The dispute escalated after Bongino was questioned over a NewsNation report suggesting he and Patel had pushed to release more information earlier. Bongino denied leaking any details. One attendee described the meeting as ending on “not friendly terms,” with Bongino leaving the room visibly upset.
Trump Administration Reacts
Despite the controversy, former President Trump is said to remain supportive of Pam Bondi, with one senior official stating, “Trump loves Pam and thinks she’s great.”
Meanwhile, Laura Loomer, a MAGA influencer and frequent Bondi critic, posted on X that both Bongino and Patel were “furious” with the handling of the Epstein situation.
Official DOJ Response
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche addressed the controversy on X Friday morning, stating:
“I worked closely with Patel and Bongino 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.”
He further clarified that any claims of disagreement between DOJ and FBI leadership over the memo are “patently false.”
The Bigger Picture
This internal fallout highlights how politically sensitive and polarizing the Epstein case remains within the Trump administration. The missteps, combined with high-profile internal disagreements, have exacerbated divisions among top officials and sparked renewed scrutiny from the public and media.
With public trust on the line, all eyes remain on how the administration will manage the ongoing fallout and if Bongino will return to his post.