In a heated political moment Monday night, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino came under intense scrutiny following Attorney General Pam Bondi’s public confirmation that the Department of Justice found no evidence to support claims that Jeffrey Epstein was murdered or that a “client list” exists.
Bongino, a prominent MAGA figure before being appointed to the FBI, has long been a vocal proponent of conspiracy theories surrounding Epstein’s death. Over the years, he frequently alleged that Epstein had been killed and suggested he had used secret recordings to blackmail influential individuals.
“I’m not ever gonna let this story go,” Bongino declared on February 10. He claimed a reporter informed him about tapes Epstein allegedly used to extort wealthy elites, and even referenced a rumor involving former President Bill Clinton. “I’m not letting it go ever.”
However, following Bondi’s announcement, Bongino struck a notably different tone. Instead of challenging the findings directly, he appeared to pivot by focusing on support for the bureau. “We are doubling down. No letting up,” he posted, attaching a screenshot of former President Donald Trump expressing confidence in the FBI and Director Kash Patel.
This shift came after Bongino, in May, cited video footage and forensic evidence to assert there was no indication anyone approached Epstein’s cell at the time of his death. “There’s no DNA, there’s no audio, there’s no fingerprints, there’s no suspects, there’s no accomplices, there’s no tips, there is nothing,” he stated. “If you have it, I’m happy to see it.”
The reaction from MAGA loyalists was swift and furious. Within an hour, Bongino’s post garnered over 6,000 comments, most of them expressing anger and disappointment.
“You failed us,” one user, Diligent Denizen, wrote bluntly. Another, FSP Domino, accused Bongino of deception, commenting, “The gaslighting is next level. Love the people saying ‘the client list never existed’.”
A user under the name Southern Right Cross criticized Bongino’s response as evasive: “Dan, dude… this is a real mess. People are p—ed, and feel like you guys are bulls—ting. I’m just sizing this up for you.”
Attorney Damin Toell of Brooklyn added fuel to the backlash: “Congrats, Dan! You made the right hate the FBI again.” Dominic Michael Tripi summed up the mood of disillusionment: “Credibility and trust have been completely eroded. Truly a shameful and embarrassing outcome.”
And finally, user KryptoaD delivered a sharp parting blow: “Unfortunately, it feels as though you were picked in order to silence you.”