President Donald Trump addressed escalating speculation surrounding a reported internal rift at the Department of Justice, confirming on Sunday that he spoke directly with FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino amid reports of friction over the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein documents.
The controversy stems from a two-page memo released by the FBI and DOJ last Sunday, concluding that Epstein died by suicide and that no “client list” exists—despite longstanding public demands for transparency. The memo further stated that no additional Epstein-related files would be released to the public.
BREAKING: President Trump said he talked to @DBongino and says that “he’s in good shape.”
“I spoke to him today. Dan Bongino is a very good guy. I’ve known him a long time.” pic.twitter.com/yzCdZ76tkk
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) July 13, 2025
According to NBC News, Bongino did not report to work on Friday, fueling speculation about his status within the administration. The absence came after a reported confrontation during a closed-door meeting on Wednesday involving Attorney General Pam Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel, and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. Sources claim the dispute centered on frustration over the memo and internal dissatisfaction with the DOJ’s decision to limit disclosure.
Multiple outlets reported that Bongino is considering resignation if Bondi remains in her role.
On Sunday, after attending the FIFA Club World Cup Finals, Trump told reporters, “I spoke to him today. Dan Bongino is a very good guy. I’ve known him a long time. He sounded terrific. He’s in good shape.” Trump’s comments appeared aimed at diffusing rumors of an imminent departure.
However, Trump took a more pointed tone online the day prior. In a lengthy Truth Social post, the President defended Bondi’s leadership, dismissed the Epstein documents as political distractions authored by past administrations, and criticized those within his own ranks for “playing into the hands” of legacy political operatives and the media.
“What’s going on with my ‘boys’ and, in some cases, ‘gals’? They’re all going after Attorney General Pam Bondi, who is doing a FANTASTIC JOB!” Trump wrote. He framed the controversy as manufactured infighting over an issue driven by “Radical Left Lunatics” and legacy intel figures like Comey, Brennan, and Hillary Clinton. “Why are we giving publicity to files written by Obama, Crooked Hillary, Comey, Brennan…?”
Trump doubled down on Bondi’s role, asserting that her priority is investigating election fraud, not re-litigating the Epstein case. “Let Pam Bondi do her job — she’s great!”
The President also reiterated his core message: that the administration’s focus should remain on border security, economic revival, and electoral accountability. “We are about to achieve more in 6 months than any other administration has achieved in over 100 years,” Trump wrote. “Let’s not waste time and energy on Jeffrey Epstein, somebody that nobody cares about.”
While Bongino’s future remains uncertain, Trump’s message was clear: internal disputes must not derail the administration’s broader goals.
