A significant conflict has emerged within former President Donald Trump’s support base following the release of a Justice Department memo about Jeffrey Epstein. The memo, which stated there was no evidence of Epstein keeping a “client list” or being murdered, has caused major disagreement between Trump and some of his most loyal supporters.
According to CNN, President Trump defended Attorney General Pam Bondi on Saturday through a Truth Social post, praising her work as “fantastic” and calling for unity within his MAGA movement. Trump has also made personal calls to critics, including conservative activist Charlie Kirk, to express his continued support for Bondi.
The situation has created what one Trump adviser called a “political nightmare,” with prominent MAGA figures openly criticizing Bondi’s handling of the Epstein investigation. Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon has questioned the administration’s commitment to transparency, while former Fox News host Tucker Carlson accused Bondi of ‘covering up crimes, very serious crimes by their own description,’ continuing his pattern of controversial commentary since his departure from Fox.
Internal tensions rise as FBI deputy director considers resignation
The conflict has spread beyond just Bondi, with Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino reportedly considering resignation due to tensions between the FBI and the Department of Justice. Though Trump has indicated Bongino is “in good shape” after speaking with him, the situation remains uncertain.
Donald Trump defended Attorney General Pam Bondi against Republican criticism over the Jeffrey Epstein case, stating that “nobody should care” about Epstein, who died in prison in 2019, and urged supporters to focus elsewhere, BBC reported. Trump accused Barack Obama, Hillary…
— Aleksandar Djokic (Александар Джокич) (@polidemitolog) July 14, 2025
Trump’s efforts to control the growing dispute included appearing with Bondi at the FIFA Club World Cup final in New Jersey, where he was photographed giving her a thumbs-up. The president has also urged his supporters to remain unified, writing that they are “on one Team, MAGA.”
Right-wing activist Laura Loomer has called for Bondi’s removal, while other Trump supporters have expressed disappointment with the memo’s findings, adding to concerns about Bondi’s controversial associations that have followed her throughout her career. The controversy is particularly sensitive because the Epstein case occurred during Trump’s first term, including Epstein’s suicide in federal prison in August 2019.
Trump has attempted to redirect attention away from the Epstein investigation, suggesting that FBI Director Kash Patel should focus instead on investigating voter fraud, political corruption, and the 2020 election. Despite growing criticism from his base, Trump continues to stand firmly behind Bondi, describing Epstein as “somebody that nobody cares about” and calling for supporters to let Bondi “do her job.”
