FBI deputy director weighs resignation amid Epstein memo fallout

Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino is reportedly considering resigning amid mounting tensions between the FBI and the Department of Justice (DOJ) over the release and handling of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, sources familiar with the matter told CNN.

The internal rift escalated during a heated meeting at the White House this week involving Bongino, Attorney General Pam Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel, and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. The confrontation centred on a recent NewsNation report that suggested the FBI wanted more information released about the Epstein case but was blocked by the DOJ. Bongino denied leaking that information, though he refused to publicly back Bondi’s version of events.

Sources say Bongino’s absence from FBI headquarters on July 11 further fuelled speculation about his resignation, although as of July 11 afternoon, he had not officially stepped down.

Tensions have grown between senior Trump administration officials and Bondi over her handling of the Epstein files, especially after a DOJ memo released July 7 declared there was no evidence Epstein was murdered or maintained a so-called “client list.” The announcement angered many of Trump’s supporters, who had hoped for further disclosures.

Adding to the controversy was a 10-hour surveillance video from Epstein’s jail cell on the night of his death. Bongino had heralded the video as conclusive proof of no foul play. However, after its release, viewers noted a 60-second gap in the footage, which DOJ officials attributed to routine system resets. The gap nonetheless sparked conspiracy theories and internal finger-pointing, with Bongino taking much of the heat.

The episode reflects a broader divide between the FBI and DOJ, exacerbated by earlier miscommunications and public criticism over transparency. Bondi’s past public comments implying the FBI was still investigating the case—after it had been passed to the DOJ—also frustrated bureau officials.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche publicly denied any leadership rift, calling reports of division “patently false.” The White House also dismissed concerns, with Deputy Press Secretary Harrison Fields insisting the law enforcement team remains “unified” and committed to justice.

By Vugar Khalilov