WASHINGTON — FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino is considering resigning from his post following internal disagreements over the Justice Department's handling of records related to the investigation into deceased financier Jeffrey Epstein, according to multiple media reports citing people familiar with the matter, although no resignation has been announced.
CNN and ABC News, citing sources familiar with the discussions, reported that Bongino has told associates he is weighing whether to step down after a dispute with senior Justice Department officials over the government's decision to make no further public disclosures from its review of the Epstein case. The sources cautioned that Bongino had not reached a final decision and could remain in office.
The reported tensions followed the release of a Justice Department and FBI memorandum stating that investigators found no evidence that Epstein maintained a so-called "client list" and no evidence warranting additional public disclosures from the federal review. The memo also reaffirmed the official finding that Epstein died by suicide in a New York jail in 2019.
According to the reports, the disagreement culminated in a meeting earlier in the week attended by Attorney General Pam Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel, Bongino and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. Sources told CNN that participants discussed disagreements over the handling of the Epstein review and questions about media reports concerning internal deliberations.
Neither the FBI nor the Justice Department had publicly confirmed that Bongino intended to resign as of Saturday. CNN reported that an administration official rejected suggestions of divisions within the leadership, saying efforts to restore public safety and pursue justice were continuing.
Bongino, a former Secret Service agent, conservative commentator and podcast host, was appointed deputy FBI director after President Donald Trump returned to office. His appointment drew attention because the position has traditionally been filled by a career FBI official.
The reported dispute comes as the administration has faced criticism from some of Trump's supporters over expectations that additional records connected to Epstein would be released. The Justice Department's recent conclusions disappointed some who had anticipated broader disclosures, despite officials saying the review uncovered no basis for further releases.
As of Saturday, Bongino remained in his position, and no official announcement regarding his future at the FBI had been issued.
