Trump supports Attorney General Pam Bondi amid MAGA fallout over Epstein files
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The flashpoint
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino reportedly clashed with Bondi over the DOJ's decision, leading to rumors of his potential resignation. Sources close to the matter described a tense standoff between Bongino, Bondi, and FBI Director Kash Patel.
The release of a DOJ memo earlier in the week, stating there was no evidence of a 'client list' or foul play in Epstein's death, sparked immediate backlash from prominent MAGA influencers, including calls for Bondi's removal.
President Donald Trump has thrown his full support behind Attorney General Pam Bondi , who is facing mounting pressure from segments of his own MAGA base after a high-profile dispute over the Justice Department 's handling of documents related to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein . The controversy has ignited a firestorm within conservative circles, prompting Trump to intervene publicly and urge unity among his supporters.On Saturday, Trump took to Truth Social to deliver a spirited defense of Bondi. In his characteristically emphatic style, he wrote:'What's happening with my 'boys' and, in some instances, 'gals?' They're all targeting General Pami, is doing FANTASTIC JOB! We're one Team, MAGA, and I disapprove of what's occurring. We have PERFECT, THEALK OF THE WORLD, and 'selfish individuals' are attempting to undermine it, all over a man who never dies, Jeffrey Epstein.'Trump further admonished his supporters to 'LET PAM BONDI DO HER JOB — SHE'S GREAT!' and dismissed the ongoing focus on Epstein, calling him 'somebody that nobody cares about.' He redirected attention to election integrity, urging the FBI and DOJ to focus on 'rigged' elections instead of revisiting the Epstein case.The uproar began when the Justice Department, under Bondi's leadership, announced it would not release further documents pertaining to Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier who died in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking and conspiracy charges. The DOJ also reiterated that there is no comprehensive 'client list' of Epstein's associates, a claim that has long fueled conspiracy theories and speculation.
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Time of India
40 minutes ago
- Time of India
Explained: Federal Prosecutor Maurene Comey fired - was it for 'botching' Epstein-Maxwell and Diddy cases?
TL;DR Maurene Comey , the federal prosecutor who helped convict Ghislaine Maxwell and recently prosecuted Sean "Diddy" Combs, has been fired by the Trump administration . The Justice Department has not issued an official explanation, though the dismissal letter cited Article II of the Constitution. Her role in the Epstein and Maxwell prosecutions has drawn renewed attention amid a public dispute over unreleased Epstein files. Critics suggest her firing is politically motivated, due to her family connection to former FBI director James Comey. Legal experts and prosecutors warn the move undermines prosecutorial independence and risks politicising SDNY . Who is Maurene Comey? Maurene Comey was an Assistant US Attorney in the Southern District of New York (SDNY), widely regarded as the most influential federal prosecutor's office in the country. She is the daughter of former FBI director James Comey, who was fired by Donald Trump in 2017. Comey built a reputation for managing high-profile cases involving sexual exploitation, public corruption, and white-collar crime. Her career highlights include: Ghislaine Maxwell trial (2021–22) : Comey helped secure Maxwell's conviction on multiple counts related to the sexual exploitation of minors. She had been involved in the Epstein probe from the outset. Sean "Diddy" Combs trial (2025) : Comey prosecuted Combs on sex trafficking and racketeering charges. The jury acquitted him of the most serious counts but convicted him on a lesser prostitution-related charge. She was also a lead attorney in Epstein-related matters and represented the DOJ in civil litigation seeking to block disclosure of certain investigative records, citing risks of harassment to victims and witnesses. Why Was She Fired? While the Justice Department has declined comment, several factors appear to have contributed to her abrupt removal: 1. Fallout from the Combs Trial The mixed verdict in the Combs case reportedly sparked frustration in the Trump administration. Although Comey secured a conviction, the acquittals on major charges were viewed internally as a prosecutorial failure. Independent observers, however, noted the case's legal complexity and the difficulty of securing trafficking convictions. 2. Political Targeting and the Epstein Fallout Comey's firing came just days after renewed controversy over the Epstein investigation. President Trump has come under fire from supporters for refusing to release Epstein-related files. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo In response, he claimed without evidence that materials were 'concocted' by his political enemies—including former President Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and James Comey. Although there is no direct link between the firing and Comey's involvement in the Epstein-Maxwell cases, legal experts say the timing strongly suggests a political motive. As recently as 2024, Comey filed declarations defending DOJ's decision not to unseal Epstein records, arguing that doing so would harm potential retrials and risk victim harassment. 3. A Wider Pattern at SDNY Comey's firing is part of a broader shake-up of SDNY: In February 2025 , eight prosecutors—including acting US Attorney Danielle Sassoon—resigned after the DOJ dropped corruption charges against New York Mayor Eric Adams. In April , Matthew Podolsky stepped down under pressure, paving the way for Trump to appoint Jay Clayton as interim US Attorney. Wednesday's dismissal of Comey is the most high-profile removal to date. Colleagues say she was informed by letter citing Article II and held an impromptu meeting with the co-chief of the Public Corruption Unit to share the news. She was reportedly escorted out with quiet respect from fellow prosecutors. Why It Matters The removal of a veteran prosecutor without a clear explanation—and during ongoing litigation involving her past cases—has raised serious alarms across legal circles. Precedent of Politicised Firing : Once rare, such terminations have become more common under Trump's second term, eroding norms around civil service protection. Damage to Prosecutorial Independence : SDNY is known for its independence in prosecuting political figures, corporate crimes, and sensitive public corruption cases. The replacement of career professionals with political loyalists raises fears of selective enforcement or non-enforcement. Implications for the Epstein Files : Comey's past efforts to shield sensitive investigative material from public release, citing victim protection, are now being cast in a political light. With her departure, the DOJ could potentially revisit those positions under new leadership. FAQ Q. Was Maurene Comey fired because of her father, James Comey? There is no official confirmation, but Trump's long-standing animus toward James Comey, combined with Maurene Comey's role in politically sensitive prosecutions, suggests the name alone may have made her a target. Q. Did the outcome of the Diddy trial contribute to her firing? Yes. While the prosecution secured one conviction, the acquittals on more serious charges were viewed unfavourably within the administration. Q. Is this part of a wider purge? Yes. Her dismissal follows a series of resignations and removals at SDNY, marking a consolidation of influence over one of the most powerful US Attorney's offices. Q. What happens to Epstein-related investigations now? With Comey gone and DOJ signalling that no client list exists, further federal action appears unlikely. Her departure removes a key figure who had previously defended maintaining file secrecy. Q. Has the DOJ or White House issued a response? No. Both have declined to comment. Trump has said publicly that Epstein 'was never a big factor' and described the controversy as a distraction created by 'past supporters.'
Time of India
40 minutes ago
- Time of India
‘Haven't learned their lesson': MAGA rift deepens as Trump lashes out at ‘past supporters' over Epstein case, calls them ‘weaklings'
A growing split is emerging in the Republican ranks as US President Donald Trump lashes out at some GOP allies, accusing them of succumbing to Democratic 'propaganda' surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. The controversy began after Trump criticised lawmakers who want to release justice department files on Epstein, a pedophile who died by suicide in 2019 and has been at the centre of many conspiracy theories. Trump lashes out at 'weaklings' in his own party In a post on Truth Social, Trump called these critics 'weaklings' and said they had fallen 'hook, line, and sinker' for a Democratic-orchestrated scam. He wrote: 'Their new SCAM is what we will forever call the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax, and my PAST supporters have bought into this 'bull***t', hook, line, and sinker.' He added: 'Let these weaklings continue forward and do the Democrats work … I don't want their support anymore!' Trump argued that the focus on Epstein distracts from his achievements. 'I have had more success in 6 months than perhaps any President in our Country's history,' he wrote. 'All these people want to talk about… is the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax.' Later, speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said that Attorney General Pam Bondi could release credible files but criticised 'some stupid and foolish Republicans' for pushing too hard. He said: 'They only want to talk about that 'hoax'. Don't give me their support.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Republicans divide over document release The demand for transparency has gained traction in Congress. House Speaker Mike Johnson, alongside influence from former vice president Mike Pence and other Republicans such as Senators Anna Paulina Luna and Lauren Boebert, have urged the administration to publish the relevant documents. Pence told CBS News: 'The time has come for the administration to release all of the files regarding Jeffrey Epstein's investigation and prosecution. … Anyone who participated or was associated with this despicable man ought to be held up to public scrutiny.' In the House, Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene and Thomas Massie are pushing a discharge petition to compel a vote on releasing the files. This effort requires 218 signatures and is unlikely to proceed before Congress reconvenes in September. Trump links Epstein probe to broader grievances In a recent interview, Trump equated the Epstein investigation with other probes he views as politically motivated. 'It's all the same scam. They could look at this Jeffrey Epstein hoax also,' he said. He insisted the material only needed to be credible to be released. 'In the case of Epstein, they've already looked at it and they are looking at it, and I think all they have to do is put out anything credible.' Trump aide and Attorney General Pam Bondi had said that there was no 'client list' and also declined to comment on releasing additional files. Trump has urged her to exercise discretion in making any more documents public.
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First Post
an hour ago
- First Post
Trump lashes out at his Maga supporters over Epstein Files scandal, calls them 'weaklings'
US President Donald Trump slammed his Maga supporters who are questioning his administration over the Epstein Files. He described his base as 'weaklings', calling the whole client list saga a 'hoax' read more In a rare instance, US President Donald Trump lashed out against his own supporters, describing them as 'weaklings' and 'gullible' over the Epstein Files scandal. Trump slammed his 'Make America Great Again' (MAGA) supporters for questioning the transparency of a secretive government inquiry into late high-profile sex offender and British financier Jeffrey Epstein. The president has been struggling to curtail the political crisis that has emerged within his usually loyal Maga base, with his supporters suspecting that the Trump administration is hiding details regarding Epstein's crimes. Some believe that the administration is doing so to protect the rich elite Epstein is associated with, including Trump. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The American commander-in-chief took out his aggression in a lengthy post on his social media platform TruthSocial. On Wednesday, the Potus accused his voters of what he referred to as a 'radical left hoax', which is being spread by his opposition, in a bid to discredit him. 'Their new SCAM is what we will forever call the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax, and my PAST supporters have bought into this 'bullshit,' hook, line, and sinker. They haven't learned their lesson, and probably never will, even after being conned by the Lunatic Left for 8 long years,' Trump wrote in his social media rant. 'Let these weaklings continue forward and do the Democrats' work, don't even think about talking of our incredible and unprecedented success, because I don't want their support any more!' he added. Trump is upset with his own supporters In a separate interview with Real America's Voice, the far-right network created to host Steve Bannon's podcast, the American leader doubled down on his proclamation over what should be done with the details surrounding the Epstein case. On Wednesday, he said that the FBI should investigate what he called the 'Jeffrey Epstein hoax' as part of a criminal conspiracy against him. 'They could look at this Jeffrey Epstein hoax also, because that's the same stuff, that's all put out by Democrats,' Trump said. 'And you know some of the naive Republicans fall right into line.' One of the most prominent theories circulating among Trump supporters is that Epstein, who killed himself in 2019 while in federal custody, was murdered by powerful figures to cover up their roles in his sex crimes against children. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Republican voters and notable political figures have pressed Trump to release the documents related to the case publicly. Trump's recent comments were an angry departure from his previous attempts to placate his backers. On Tuesday, he attempted to divert attention by calling the infamous case 'boring softly'. He then went on to back the release of any 'credible' files, without specifying what those were. 'I don't understand why the Jeffrey Epstein case would be of interest to anybody,' Trump told reporters on Tuesday night when asked why his supporters are so interested in the case. 'It's pretty boring stuff. It's sordid, but it's boring, and I don't understand why it keeps going.' 'I think really only pretty bad people, including fake news, want to keep something like that going,' he added. 'But credible information, let them give it. Anything credible, I would say, let them have it.' The memo that sent the shockwaves Things started to spiral down last week after the US Department of Justice and FBI issued a memo stating that a review of the case files had confirmed that Epstein had killed himself, and there was no list of his clients to be made public. Conservative allies soon focused their anger on the attorney general, Pam Bondi, who was leading the case, as she previously boasted that Epstein's client list was 'sitting on my desk right now to review'. Trump himself has maintained a similar tone in the past. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD During his election campaign, Trump fuelled multiple conspiracies by his Maga movement, including that the country was controlled by shadowy 'deep state' elites. At that time, he also pledged to release the Epstein Files in their entirety. Hence, Trump's recent stance has garnered anger among his base. Even his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, a Fox News host, has been critical, saying: 'I do think that there needs to be more transparency on this.' Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Mike Johnson, the speaker of the House, called for the Justice Department to make the document public, breaking with Trump in a rare moment of friction between the allies. 'It's a very delicate subject, but we should put everything out there and let the people decide it,' Johnson told Benny Johnson, a rightwing podcaster, in an interview released on Tuesday. 'I agree with the sentiment that we need to put it out there," he added.
