FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino reportedly took the day off Friday following a heated dispute with Attorney General Pam Bondi over the release and messaging of the Jeffrey Epstein files, according to Axios and other insider sources. The clash stemmed from a DOJ memo that rejected longstanding conspiracy theories, stating Epstein had no celebrity client list and was not murdered in his prison cell in 2019.

A key point of tension was a 10-hour security video from outside Epstein’s cell. Although the footage showed no one entering before his death, it contained a “missing minute”, fueling online speculation. Investigators claimed this was due to an outdated system that resets daily, temporarily pausing for 60 seconds at midnight. Bongino, a former podcast host who promoted Epstein conspiracies, reportedly found and shared the video, viewing it as evidence to challenge the suicide narrative.

The situation escalated during a White House meeting with Bondi, Bongino, FBI Director Kash Patel, and top Trump aides. Bongino denied leaking any information but expressed frustration with Bondi’s handling of the case, accusing her of overpromising disclosures that failed to materialize. The meeting ended poorly, and Bongino left visibly angry.

While some Trump allies have criticized Bondi, the president continues to publicly support her. However, Bongino and Patel’s dissatisfaction has caused a growing rift within Trump’s team, intensified by backlash from MAGA supporters expecting bombshell revelations from the Epstein files.

Despite online speculation, Deputy AG Todd Blanche stated that FBI and DOJ leadership were unified in signing off on the Epstein memo.