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The latest release of the Epstein files has not quelled the controversy, but instead caused new shocks within Washington's upper echelons. As the official conclusion emerged, a fierce conflict erupted between FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino and Attorney General Pam Bondi, transforming this long-standing scandal shrouded in conspiracy and suspicion into an open power crisis for the first time.

Deputy Director of the FBI Dan Bongino and Attorney General Pam Bondi

The significance of this storm goes far beyond the cause of Epstein's death. Deeper fractures point to the public's ongoing doubts about government transparency, the divisions within the Trump administration regarding loyalty and responsibility, and the unpredictable political risks lurking deep within power.

Shocks That Started With A Memo

In early July, under the spotlight, the documents related to the Epstein case were finally released to the public. However, what appeared before the public was only a brief memo bearing the seals of the Department of Justice and the FBI: based on newly added video evidence, the investigation concluded that Epstein did not die from murder, and there was no so-called "client list."

Epstein case raises more doubts

After the news spread, public expectations quickly turned into disappointment and questioning. The official intention seemed to be to calm public doubts. However, the opposite happened: this memo, like a giant stone thrown into deep water, created waves that almost swallowed the senior leadership of the Department of Justice itself.

Several days after its release, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino chose a common tactic used by high-ranking officials - taking a day off. This move was immediately interpreted by media such as Axios and The Daily Mail as a "possible resignation signal." Following closely came the shocking news: Bongino issued an ultimatum to Attorney General Pam Bondi - if she didn't resign, he would resign in protest.

FBI's top leaders may resign simultaneously

At the same time, higher-level FBI Director Kash Patel also heard murmurs of instability. It is said that if Bongino actually resigns, he will also consider leaving. Within just a few days, the controversy surrounding the Epstein files escalated from a single memo into a political crisis that could lead to the collective resignation of the core team.

Bongino: The Turnaround of a Conspiracy Theorist

Dan Bongino, a former Secret Service agent and right-wing radio host, became well-known during the Trump era for repeatedly promoting the theory that Epstein was murdered.

Bongino is a firm supporter of the "murder" theory of Epstein

He openly stated that he did not believe the official claim that Epstein committed suicide in prison, insisting it was a murder to prevent him from speaking out. It was precisely with this voice resonating with the base of President Trump that he was appointed as the deputy director of the FBI, tasked with investigating part of the Epstein case.

However, Bongino now faces potential dismissal due to the official conclusion. His close allies told the media, "Dan didn't have to be there; he just wanted to serve the president, but now he finds himself in a precarious situation, possibly losing everything."

This statement behind, is the conflict between Bongino's personal beliefs and the constraints of the system, as well as the contradiction between populist forces and bureaucratic systems within the entire Trump administration.

The Missing Video and the "Client List"

One of the triggers of this crisis is a surveillance video missing for several minutes on the night of Epstein's death.

According to authorities, the surveillance system needs a brief reset every midnight, causing about one minute of blank space. But critics are not convinced: they question why it was specifically the critical period that was missing, rather than other times?

Attorney General Pam Bondi

The greater controversy revolves around the so-called "client list." Earlier this year, when Attorney General Pam Bondi was interviewed by Fox News, she said that there was indeed a list on her desk and promised to "review it soon." However, in the memo, the Department of Justice stated that there was no such "client list." This contradictory statement was interpreted by The Daily Mail and the "MAGAverse" online as Bondi "lying."

For the far-right social circle, this became new evidence: the government intentionally concealed the powerful network protecting Epstein.

Trump's Stance: Support or Let Go?

Facing the internal struggle among his subordinates, Trump once tried to maintain unity. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt publicly stated that the president was "proud" of Bondi and accused the outside world of "unjustly creating division." However, this response failed to calm the anger within Trump's core support group.

Epstein's death has already become a symbol of a "deep state conspiracy" in the eyes of Trump supporters. They believe that only by thoroughly uncovering the Epstein files can the protective umbrella of the Washington elite be torn apart.

Now, Attorney General Bondi is accused of being "weak" or even "complicit," while Bongino and Patel are seen as people who dare to challenge the system. Trump needs them to stay, but he also fears that the Epstein issue continues to ferment, which could backfire against the government itself.

The Game of Power: Resign or Stay?

Insiders told the media that the real key lies in the fact that the FBI cannot decide what to release - the final decision-making power belongs to the Department of Justice. This point has reignited many "deep state" theories within the Trump camp again: if the Attorney General herself decides not to release or delay the release of sensitive documents, the FBI can only comply.

The departure or retention of Bongino and Patel is now seen as an indicator of the future direction of the Trump administration. Resignation will trigger a chain reaction: right-wing media will certainly interpret it as a vote of no confidence against the Attorney General, and Trump will be forced to make a difficult choice during the crucial election season: keep Bondi or reshape the team.

To stay means that Bongino and Patel need to accept the official narrative and cut ties with their past positions, which is a heavy cost to their personal reputation and political capital.

The Shadow of Epstein Over the White House

Six years after Epstein died in prison, this name still shakes the highest levels of America. For many American citizens, this is not just the death of a billionaire sex offender, but a century-old question about power, money, and judicial independence: will the truth always belong to the few, or will it one day be fully revealed to the public?

No matter what the truth is, the shadow left by Epstein still casts a long shadow over the power structure of the Trump administration. And that mysterious "client list," whether it exists or not, has become an indelible political ghost.

This article is exclusively published on Toutiao, and any reprints are prohibited.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7526013809304158729/

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