Latest news with #Bongino
News18
a day ago
- Politics
- News18
‘I'll Never Be the Same': FBI No. 2 Posts Cryptic Message After Fallout With Bondi
Last Updated: Many are interpreting it as a veiled reference to the controversial Epstein Files. Just days after a public fallout with US Attorney General Pam Bondi, Dan Bongino, Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, has posted a cryptic message on X (formerly Twitter), raising speculation about potential new revelations related to the Jeffrey Epstein case. While the full context and intent behind Bongino's message remain unclear, many are interpreting it as a veiled reference to the controversial 'Epstein Files', which have resurfaced in public discourse following recent developments. In his post, Bongino wrote, 'The (FBI) Director and I are committed to stamping out public corruption and the political weaponisation of both law enforcement and intelligence operations." He added, 'What I have learned in the course of our properly predicated and necessary investigations into these aforementioned matters has shocked me down to my core." Expressing deep dismay, he continued, 'We cannot run a Republic like this. I'll never be the same after learning what I've learned." He concluded the post by pledging transparency and integrity, stating, 'I can promise you an honest and dignified effort at truth. Not 'my truth', or 'your truth', but THE TRUTH." In a separate post, Bongino shared a news article referencing a 2016 intelligence report suggesting Russian preference for Republican candidates over Democrats, further stirring political controversy. Bongino is a former Secret Service agent who has earlier helped Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. He has previously used social media to promote theories surrounding Epstein's death, particularly before Donald Trump's return to office earlier this year. Earlier this month, tensions escalated between Bongino and Attorney General Bondi over a Department of Justice and FBI memo that officially closed the Epstein case. The memo claimed Epstein died by suicide in 2019 and dismissed rumours of a client list, labelling it a hoax. Bongino reportedly disagreed strongly with this conclusion. Reports at the time indicated that Bongino had considered resigning. An insider told NBC, 'Bongino is out-of-control furious. This destroyed his career. He's threatening to quit and torch Pam unless she's fired." However, President Trump later told the press that Bongino was in 'good shape." view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
NDTV
2 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
"Can't Run Republic Like This": FBI Deputy's Cryptic Post Amid Epstein Row
Washington: Former conservative radio host and current Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Dan Bongino, posted a lengthy, cryptic message on his official X account, pledging to uncover "the truth" about the corruption and "political weaponisation" at federal law enforcement that "shocked" him down to his core. Bongino - known to dial up the drama around news and spread conspiracy theories as host of "The Dan Bongino Show" - proclaimed that "we cannot run a Republic like this." It was unclear what exactly the FBI Deputy Director was referring to in the post, but it comes on the heels of several controversies surrounding the federal probe agency, including investigations into the sexual abuse case against late financier Jeffrey Epstein and charges against former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton over her use of a personal e-mail server during the Obama administration. "During my tenure here as the Deputy Director of the FBI, I have repeatedly relayed to you that things are happening that might not be immediately visible, but they are happening," Bongino wrote on Saturday. Along with FBI director Kash Patel, Bongino said he is "committed to stamping out public corruption and the political weaponization of both law enforcement and intelligence operations." "It is a priority for us. But what I have learned in the course of our properly predicated and necessary investigations into these aforementioned matters, has shocked me down to my core. We cannot run a Republic like this. I'll never be the same after learning what I've learned," the former radio host said. He called the investigation "righteous and proper," and promised it would be done "by the book and in accordance with the law." "We are going to get the answers WE ALL DESERVE. As with any investigation, I cannot predict where it will land, but I can promise you an honest and dignified effort at truth. Not "my truth," or "your truth," but THE TRUTH. God bless America, and all those who defend Her. Respectfully, Dan," he added. Earlier this month, Bongino was at the centre of a row over the files related to disgraced financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. FBI's top two officials-- director Kash Patel and his deputy Dan Bongino-- both social media influencers and activists -- were among the Make America Great Again (MAGA) figures who pushed conspiracy theories around Epstein's death before Donald Trump returned to the White House in January. Bongino was reportedly frustrated with leaders at the Department of Justice (DOJ) over a joint, unsigned memo released with the FBI, which said that Epstein died by suicide in 2019 in prison while awaiting trial and that he did not keep a "client list." He also reportedly clashed with Attorney General Pam Bondi over the issue and was even considered to resign from his post before Trump told reporters he still has confidence in Bongino and that he was in "good shape."
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Cannot run a Republic like this: FBI Dy Director Dan Bongino in cryptic post
US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Deputy Director Dan Bongino vowed to uncover the "truth" in a cryptic post on 'X', proclaiming that "we cannot run a Republic like this." Bongino on Saturday said that FBI Director Kash Patel and he are committed to "stamping out public corruption and the political weaponization of both law enforcement and intelligence operations." Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Degree Digital Marketing healthcare Data Science MCA MBA Leadership Management others Technology Product Management PGDM Healthcare Artificial Intelligence CXO Operations Management Finance Others Design Thinking Project Management Data Science Data Analytics Public Policy Skills you'll gain: Data-Driven Decision-Making Strategic Leadership and Transformation Global Business Acumen Comprehensive Business Expertise Duration: 2 Years University of Western Australia UWA Global MBA Starts on Jun 28, 2024 Get Details "But what I have learned in the course of our properly predicated and necessary investigations into these aforementioned matters, has shocked me down to my core. We cannot run a Republic like this. I'll never be the same after learning what I've learned," he said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo It is unclear what Bongino was referring to. Bongino, a former Secret Service agent and podcaster, was at the center of the debate over the files related to disgraced financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein earlier this month, The Hill reported. Live Events The FBI and Justice Department (DOJ) said in a joint, unsigned memo that Epstein died by suicide in 2019 in prison while awaiting trial and that he did not keep the so-called "client list." Bongino was frustrated with the leaders at the Department of Justice and the handling of the Epstein files earlier in July. He clashed with Attorney General Pam Bondi over the issue and has reportedly weighed resigning from his post, as per The Hill. When Bondi briefed Trump in May on the Justice Department's review of the documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case , she told him that his name appeared in the files, CNN reported. The conversation, which also included Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, was characterized by two White House officials as a "routine briefing" that covered the scope of the Justice Department's findings. Trump's name appearing in the files, they said, was not the sole focus of the discussions. Bondi also raised in the meeting that several names of high-profile figures were also mentioned, and that investigators did not find evidence of a so-called client list or evidence refuting that Epstein died by suicide, the officials said, as per CNN.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Dan Bongino breaks silence after feud with Pam Bondi over Epstein files: ‘What I have learned…shocked me'
In a dramatic turn of events that has captured national attention, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino took to X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday with a cryptic message following a heated and highly publicized clash with Attorney General Pam Bondi over the handling of the long-sealed Jeffrey Epstein files. Dan Bongino's cryptic social media post suggests shocking revelations about ongoing investigations. (Greg Nash/Pool via AP, File)(AP) Also Read: Michigan stabbing suspect identified? 5 key facts about Traverse City Walmart attacker Bongino's cryptic post after Epstein humiliation In his puzzling post on social media, Bongino wrote, 'During my tenure here as the Deputy Director of the FBI, I have repeatedly relayed to you that things are happening that might not be immediately visible, but they are happening.' He sparked a firestorm on social media with his post, which hinted at something without naming anyone. The following is a very public clash with Bondi over the handling of the controversial Epstein files. Bongiono declared that he and FBI Director Kash Patel are committed to rooting out corruption. In a metaphor, he also suggested that he has taken the red pill in The Matrix and has awoken up to the harsh reality, as reported by The Daily Beast. In his post, Bongino continued, "What I have learned in the course of our properly predicated and necessary investigations into these aforementioned matters, has shocked me down to my core. We cannot run a Republic like this. I'll never be the same after learning what I've learned.' He reassured that he will ensure to "conduct these righteous and proper investigations by the book and in accordance with the law. We are going to get the answers WE ALL DESERVE. As with any investigation, I cannot predict where it will land, but I can promise you an honest and dignified effort at truth. Not 'my truth,' or 'your truth,' but THE TRUTH.' The FBI Deputy Director ended his note with 'God bless America, and all those who defend Her'. Also Read: Walmart stabbing suspect slashed shopper 'in the eye,' witnesses recount horrifying scene in Michigan Bongino's exit after The feud between Bondi and Bongino erupted over the controversial files of the convicted sex offender. In mid-July, he awkwardly backed out after a tense standoff with his boss. He skipped a day at work and threatened to resign over frustration with Bondi's control of the investigation. At the time, White House insiders revealed that Trump was secretly furious with Bongino after causing a MAGA meltdown and was forced to side with Bondi as confusion grew about the President's ambiguous past.
The Hill
17-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
Epstein files uproar puts spotlight on Dan Bongino
Public uproar and internal fighting in the Trump administration over the handling of documents related to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein has put a spotlight on FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino and his importance to members of President Trump's base. Bongino has been at the center of debate over the Epstein files after the Justice Department essentially closed the case in a joint memo with the FBI. The deputy FBI director has clashed with Attorney General Pam Bondi over the issue and reportedly weighed resigning. The outrage on the right over the prospect of Bongino exiting underscored both his importance to the base and how central he had been to fueling the controversies and conspiracy theories that animate many Trump backers. Sources close to the White House told The Hill that members of the MAGA movement view Bongino as one of their own. He has built a following over the past decade, and is considered a true outsider with a finger on the pulse of the base who was appointed to a position of power to act on issues they care about, including the Epstein documents. 'Dan is a brand of MAGA that is fiercely loyal to the president. But he's also somebody who has made a heck of a media career going into depth about issues that the base cares about, whether it be things like Epstein or the assassination attempt at Butler,' said one source close to the White House. 'He is considered a trusted voice,' the source added. 'I think this is someone who is honored to serve the Trump administration, but also put his brand on the line when it came to, 'We're going to get to the bottom of Epstein.'' Bongino is a former New York City police officer and Secret Service agent who ran unsuccessfully for Congress in Maryland and Florida. His media career took off during Trump's first term, and he has built a large following through his radio show, his podcast and appearances on Fox News over the years. Bongino has 7 million followers on the social media platform X. When Trump tapped Bongino as second in command at the FBI, it was hailed as a win for the MAGA base to have a true outsider who thought and talked like them in a position of power. 'When Dan Bongino speaks, the base listens,' the source close to the White House said. Bongino has used his massive media platform to echo Trump's talking points and rally support for the president and the MAGA movement. But he has also pushed conspiratorial claims about topics like the 2020 election, the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol and the Epstein case. Bongino was among those who spread allegations that there was something nefarious about Dominion Voting Systems in the 2020 election, a common claim among Trump supporters. The voting technology company and Fox News settled a defamation case over similar claims in 2023. Bongino said on his show in 2024 that the government's 'goal' on Jan. 6, 2021 was to 'shut down' efforts by Republicans to question the certification of the 2020 election. He went on to suggest the placement of pipe bombs outside the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee and Republican National Committee was part of that effort. On Epstein, Bongino was among those on the right who amplified claims that there was something nefarious the government was hiding about Epstein's associates and his death. 'Listen, that Jeffrey Epstein story is a big deal, please do not let that story go. Keep your eye on this,' Bongino told his listeners in 2023. But as a government official, Bongino's role has been more complicated. He went on Fox News in May and said Epstein died by suicide. He later posted on X that he was not asking his followers to believe him, but that he was relaying what the evidence said. The Justice Department and FBI issued a joint memo last week that stated Epstein did not have a client list and confirmed he died by suicide in his New York City jail cell in 2019. The findings incensed members of the MAGA movement, who have for years pushed conspiracy theories about Epstein's death and claims that prominent Democrats would be named on a client list. Epstein, accused in several cases of sex trafficking young girls, ran in high-powered circles with figures that included Trump, former President Clinton, Britain's Prince Andrew and a number of other celebrities and ultrawealthy individuals. Epstein's associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, has been convicted of sex trafficking. Bongino fumed over the decision to effectively close the case, according to a source familiar with the matter. Multiple outlets reported that he considered quitting. Though Bongino has remained on the job, he has not spoken publicly or posted on X in nearly a week. His threat to resign raised the specter of a further revolt among prominent conservatives. 'Can confirm it's Bongino or Bondi – and the pick is obvious. Bondi must go,' Megyn Kelly posted on X last week at the peak of Bongino's frustration. One pro-Trump operative likened Bongino's influence to that of Fox News host Sean Hannity or conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh. 'Our base views him as 'one of them,' and so the idea of him walking out of the administration in this manner would certainly cause a portion of Trump supporters to feel dejected,' the operative told The Hill. 'It's less about Bongino specifically and more about the broader symbolism him leaving would represent.' Trump has publicly expressed support this week for both Bongino and Bondi. The attorney general has taken the brunt of the anger from conservatives over the Epstein case, with many arguing she has overpromised and underdelivered on providing more documentation. But the president has also shown he is getting frustrated by the continued focus on the Epstein case, despite it being something that Bongino, Vice President Vance and others in his administration have perpetuated in the past. Trump told reporters Wednesday he would support Bondi releasing 'credible' information related to the Epstein files. But he also complained the focus on the Epstein documents was taking away from the administration's successes on Capitol Hill and elsewhere. 'Certain Republicans got duped by the Democrats, and they're following a Democrat playbook,' Trump said. 'And no different than Russia, Russia, Russia, and all the other hoaxes, they're started by the Democrats. And Some Republicans, in this case I was surprised, they got duped.'
