President Donald Trump publicly supported Attorney General Pam Bondi on March 16, 2024, in response to criticism from segments of his base over her handling of the investigation linked to accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. Trump took to Truth Social, declaring that Bondi is doing a “FANTASTIC JOB” and expressing discontent with the backlash she faced.
In his post, Trump addressed the situation directly: “What’s going on with my ‘boys’ and, in some cases, ‘gals?’ They’re all going after Attorney General Pam Bondi, who is doing a FANTASTIC JOB!” He emphasized unity within the MAGA movement, stating, “We’re on one Team, MAGA, and I don’t like what’s happening.” Trump touted the effectiveness of his administration, calling it “a PERFECT Administration, THE TALK OF THE WORLD,” and criticized those he referred to as “selfish people” attempting to undermine it.
The controversy stems from the release of a memo that concluded there was no evidence Epstein maintained a “client list” or was murdered. This memo, made public earlier in the week, has led to significant tension between the FBI and the Department of Justice. According to CNN, Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino is contemplating resignation due to this clash.
Trump’s allies have also voiced their concerns. Right-wing activist Laura Loomer has called for Bondi’s dismissal following the memo’s release. Responding to inquiries about the Epstein investigation, Trump expressed his disbelief at the focus on Epstein during a press conference at the White House, stating, “I can’t believe you’re asking a question on Epstein at a time like this.”
In his Saturday statement, Trump reiterated his frustration, noting, “For years, it’s Epstein, over and over again.” He aimed criticism at political figures, including former President Barack Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, claiming they and others in the Biden Administration had “created the Epstein Files.”
Trump questioned why the “Radical Left Lunatics” had not released any damaging information that could harm the MAGA movement, asking, “If there was ANYTHING in there that could have hurt the MAGA Movement, why didn’t they use it?”
Furthermore, Trump urged Kash Patel, the current FBI Director, to redirect his focus. He implored, “Kash Patel, and the FBI, must be focused on investigating Voter Fraud, Political Corruption, ActBlue, The Rigged and Stolen Election of 2020, and arresting Thugs and Criminals, instead of spending month after month looking at nothing but the same old, Radical Left inspired Documents on Jeffrey Epstein.”
In his concluding remarks, Trump insisted, “LET PAM BONDI DO HER JOB — SHE’S GREAT!” He dismissed Epstein as “somebody that nobody cares about,” further illustrating his determination to shift public discourse away from the controversial figure and back to his administration’s priorities.
The ongoing situation reflects the complexities surrounding the Epstein investigation and its implications for Trump and his allies, highlighting the intersection of legal scrutiny and political loyalty within the current administration.
