How the DOJ's Epstein memo led to a Dan Bongino White House blowup
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FBI Director Kash Patel promoted conspiracy theories about Jeffrey Epstein's death prior to his appointment. Photo: Rebecca Noble/Getty Images
The Justice Department and FBI's investigation finding no evidence that convicted sex offender and disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein was murdered – or kept a "client list" – caused infighting among parts of President Trump's administration and his supporters.
Why it matters: MAGA's fundamental distrust of the "deep state" sparked years of conspiracy theories over Epstein's suicide in prison while facing federal sex trafficking charges, so the investigation's findings blindsided Trump's base.
Here's a timeline of the past week:
DOJ, FBI conclude Epstein had no "client list," died by suicide
Catch up quick: Trump's Justice Department and FBI concluded they had no evidence that Epstein blackmailed powerful figures, kept a "client list" or was murdered, according to a memo detailing the findings obtained by Axios.
- The administration released a video that it says indicates no one entered the area of the Manhattan prison where Epstein was held the night he died in 2019.
- The video supports a medical examiner's finding that Epstein died by suicide, the two-page memo claims.
The findings represent the first time Trump's administration has officially contradicted conspiracy theories about Epstein's activities and his death — theories that had been pushed by the FBI's top two officials, director Kash Patel and deputy director Dan Bongino, before Trump appointed them to the bureau.
Patel and Bongino have since moved on from the theories, saying that Epstein killed himself.
- But it has become an article of faith online, especially on the right, that Epstein's crimes also implicated government officials, celebrities and business leaders — and that someone killed him in a cover-up.
MAGA voices erupt in disbelief
What they're saying: Social media lit up with doubt on the findings Sunday and Monday, even questioning the integrity of Patel, Bongino and Attorney General Pam Bondi, who were either longstanding allies of President Trump or prominent figures in MAGA media themselves before entering the administration.
- "As trusted voices like @FBIDDBongino, @FBIDirectorKash, and @AGPamBondi align with the official story, many are asking: Who's still willing to demand real answers?" LindellTV, the outlet helmed by Trump ally Mike Lindell, posted on X.
- "Assuming this leaked Epstein Files memo is true, then we all know this is a shameful coverup to protect the most heinous elites," added influencer Rogan O'Handley, who goes by DC Draino.
The other side: The White House defended the administration's handling of the case, saying the memo was an example of its commitment to "transparency."
- "They committed to an exhaustive investigation. That's what they did," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Monday.
Trump dodges Epstein question
Trump shut down a question about Jeffrey Epstein during a cabinet meeting Tuesday.
- "Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein?" Trump asked in response to a reporter's question to Attorney General Pam Bondi about the DOJ and FBI's findings. "This guy's been talked about for years."
- "Are people still talking about this guy, this creep?" Trump said. "That is unbelievable."
Trump posted a statement on Truth Social from Epstein lawyer David Schoen, who said Trump wasn't implicated in any crime.
- Still, questions about Trump's connections to Epstein have circulated because they attended the same parties in the '90s.
MAGA influencers break with Trump, revive conspiracies
MAGA outrage only increased in the days following the Justice Department and FBI's report.
- Tucker Carlson, Elon Musk and Steve Bannon — influential Trump allies who have previously sparred with the president — are among those who have accused the administration of a cover-up.
- MAGA's deep divisions over Israel have only exacerbated the Epstein backlash, as some influencers revive unproven claims that he was involved with Israeli intelligence.
- Asked about allegations of Epstein's ties to intelligence, Bondi told reporters on Tuesday: "To him being an agent, I have no knowledge about that. We can get back to you on that."
One MAGA media figure told Axios that "the Epstein situation is sending massive ripples through the base. Trust is being lost… mostly the people around him, but somewhat Trump."
FBI's Dan Bongino clashes with AG Bondi over handling of Epstein files
The latest: Bongino clashed with Bondi over their handling of the Epstein files.
Zoom in: At the center of the argument is the surveillance video that the Trump administration released as proof that no one had entered the room before he killed himself.
- The 10-hour video had what has widely been called a "missing minute," fueling MAGA conspiracy theories.
- The "missing minute," authorities say, stemmed from an old surveillance recording system that goes down each day at midnight to reset and record anew. It takes a minute for that process to occur, which effectively means that 60 seconds of every day aren't recorded.
After the video's "missing minute" was discovered, Bongino was blamed internally for the oversight, according to three sources.
- Bongino didn't go to work on Friday, four sources familiar with the conflict told Axios.
