Trump backs AG Pam Bondi amid MAGA divisions over DOJ’s handling of Epstein files: ABC News

Trump backs AG Pam Bondi amid MAGA divisions over DOJ’s handling of Epstein files: ABC News

US President Donald Trump has defended Attorney General (AG) Pam Bondi amid growing divisions within the MAGA (Make America Great Again) community over the Department of Justice's (DOJ) handling of files related to the late financier and accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. The controversy has intensified following a joint memo released by the DOJ and FBI last week, which stated there was no evidence supporting the existence of a client list or any blackmail material connected to Epstein's sex trafficking network [1][2].

The memo, which confirmed Epstein's death by suicide in federal custody in 2019, angered many right-wing commentators. Tech billionaire Elon Musk and far-right influencers such as Laura Loomer and Jack Posobiec have accused Bondi of misleading the public. Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones went as far as to suggest that the DOJ would next claim Epstein never existed [2].

Bondi had previously raised expectations by telling Fox News that the "client list" was "sitting on my desk to review". However, she later clarified that she was referring to the broader Epstein-related documents, including files connected to other high-profile investigations. This clarification has not appeased critics who argue that Bondi has failed to deliver on her promises [1][2].

The memo has also highlighted internal rifts within the Trump administration. There have been reports of tensions between Bondi and FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino, with some officials suggesting that further disclosures are not forthcoming. The memo was unsigned but bore both the DOJ and FBI logos, and critics within the administration have maintained that Epstein's death was a suicide [2].

In response to the growing backlash, Trump has taken to social media to defend Bondi. In a lengthy post on Truth Social, he criticized his supporters for targeting Bondi, stating, "They’re all going after Attorney General Pam Bondi, who is doing a FANTASTIC JOB!" He added, "We’re on one team, MAGA, and I don’t like what’s happening" [2].

The House Democrats, however, have demanded the release of "Epstein file" documents mentioning President Trump. Representative Jamie Raskin, along with 15 other Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee, sent a letter to Bondi, accusing the DOJ of potentially withholding information that would embarrass Trump. The letter also demanded the publication of the second volume of special counsel Jack Smith's report on the dismissed classified documents case against Trump [3].

The Epstein case has remained a contentious issue, with conspiracy theories persisting despite the DOJ's findings. Trump has expressed frustration with the ongoing public interest in Epstein, stating, "Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein?" [1][2].

References:
[1] https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9qxd2exqgno
[2] https://www.business-standard.com/world-news/donald-trump-defends-pam-bondi-epstein-client-list-maga-backlash-125071300164_1.html
[3] https://newrepublic.com/post/197718/house-democrats-demand-release-epstein-files-naming-trump