Uncertainty reigns at FBI as Bongino weighs resignation over Epstein flap

The FBI is embroiled in uncertainty, with No. 2 Dan Bongino weighing an exit over disagreements with the Justice Department’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case, two sources familiar with the situation told Semafor.

If Bongino departs, there’s also a possibility FBI Director Kash Patel follows him, both sources added.

Bongino does not appear to have made any formal decisions on resigning, but he did not go to work on Friday after a blow-up meeting earlier this week at the White House with Attorney General Pam Bondi, first reported by Axios and confirmed by Semafor. It remains unclear when — or whether — he’ll return to the office.

“He’s gone,” one source said of Bongino. “Will come back if Bondi [is] held accountable.”

Both Patel and Bongino are said to want Bondi out as head of DOJ.

Bongino in particular, one of the two source said, is frustrated that the DOJ, at the start of this week, declared the Epstein case effectively closed and determined that the accused sex trafficker died by suicide while awaiting trial, with few further details shared. He wants more documents unsealed, this source added.

“President Trump has assembled a highly qualified and experienced law and order team dedicated to protecting Americans, holding criminals accountable, and delivering justice to victims,” White House spokesman Harrison Fields said in a statement.

“This work is being carried out seamlessly and with unity. Any attempt to sow division within this team is baseless and distracts from the real progress being made in restoring public safety and pursuing justice for all.”