Dan Bongino and Kash Patel are finding out the hard way that life in Washington isn’t like hosting a podcast—especially now that their reversal on Jeffrey Epstein’s files has ignited chaos inside the White House.
From Podcasters to Power Players
Before stepping into powerful FBI roles, Bongino and Patel were outspoken on their podcasts about Epstein, often fueling theories that he kept a “client list” of potential blackmail targets and was murdered in jail to silence him.
But now, as FBI deputy director (Bongino) and director (Patel), their public tune has dramatically changed—and the internet isn’t letting them forget it.
DOJ Memo Sparks Controversy
According to Axios reporter Marc Caputo, both men threw their weight behind a controversial DOJ memo claiming Epstein never had a client list and wasn’t killed in jail.
The DOJ report insists Epstein died by suicide while awaiting trial, but conspiracy theorists are convinced there’s more to the story—and they’re furious Bongino and Patel are no longer echoing their suspicions.
A Missing Minute Fuels the Fire
Bongino, in particular, is in hot water after backing a 10-hour jail surveillance video that he claims “proves nothing nefarious happened” in Epstein’s cell.
But the situation escalated when internet sleuths noticed a full minute missing from the footage—sending conspiracy theories into overdrive.
“This is classic cover-up energy,” one user posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Tensions With Pam Bondi
Caputo revealed on TMZ Live that Bongino clashed with Attorney General Pam Bondi in a heated White House meeting over the Epstein tape.
Sources say Bongino was left frustrated after the exchange and hasn’t returned to work since, reportedly “stewing” over the fallout.
“Governing Is Harder Than Podcasting”
Caputo says the Epstein debacle highlights the stark contrast between firing off hot takes behind a microphone and actually governing.
“It’s one thing to speculate on a podcast. It’s another thing to manage the legal and political consequences in the real world,” Caputo said.
Internet Backlash Is Brutal
Critics are calling Bongino and Patel “sellouts” for changing their stances.
💬 “They got into power and suddenly lost their backbone.”
💬 “So Epstein didn’t have a client list? Sure, and the sky isn’t blue either.”
💬 “The missing minute is all we need to know.”
What’s Next for Bongino & Patel?
Caputo says it remains to be seen if Bongino will return to work after his clash with Bondi—or if the White House will continue to reel from this latest round of Epstein-fueled controversy.
Do You Think the Epstein Files Will Ever Truly Be Revealed?
Join the conversation below—and catch the full interview with Marc Caputo on TMZ Live.
