On Saturday, President Trump used social media to defend Attorney General Pam Bondi amid growing criticism from his far-right base over her handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
He described her as doing “a FANTASTIC JOB” and called for unity within his MAGA movement, dismissing the Epstein case as a distraction involving “a guy who never dies.”
The post aimed to quell a political crisis threatening to fracture his coalition, as some allies, including activist Laura Loomer, have demanded Bondi’s resignation.
The controversy stems from a Justice Department memo released this week, which reaffirmed Epstein’s death as a suicide and found no evidence of a “client list,” disappointing supporters expecting major revelations.
The situation has exposed rifts within Trump’s administration, particularly between Bondi and FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino.
Bongino, who has not appeared at work since a heated confrontation with Bondi, has reportedly considered resigning, frustrated by the handling of the Epstein case.
Sources indicate Bondi accused Bongino of leaking negative stories about her, escalating tensions in a West Wing meeting.
Meanwhile, FBI Director Kash Patel, who privately criticized Bondi’s approach, reaffirmed his commitment to serve Trump, sidestepping the controversy in a separate statement.
The memo’s release has fueled skepticism among Trump’s supporters, who anticipated explosive disclosures about Epstein’s high-profile connections.
Right-wing figures like Steve Bannon and Tucker Carlson have criticized the administration’s transparency, with some calling the memo’s timing a “political nightmare.”
Trump, however, redirected focus to other priorities, urging Patel to investigate voter fraud and Democratic fundraising rather than Epstein.
Despite his efforts, the negative response from even loyal supporters suggests the issue continues to strain his administration’s cohesion.