President Donald Trump publicly defended Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi on March 18, 2023, following backlash from some of his supporters regarding her handling of a memo related to the late accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. Trump took to Truth Social to express his support, stating Bondi was performing “a FANTASTIC JOB” in her role.
Trump’s comments come amidst significant criticism from within his base after the release of a memo by the Department of Justice. The memo, which concluded there was no evidence that Epstein maintained a “client list” or was murdered, has stirred controversy among Trump’s allies. Right-wing activist Laura Loomer has called for Bondi’s removal, claiming her handling of the situation has been inadequate.
In his post, Trump expressed frustration with the ongoing narrative surrounding Epstein. He wrote, “For years, it’s Epstein, over and over again,” and criticized various political figures, including former President Barack Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, for their alleged involvement in the Epstein saga. He suggested that if there was anything damaging to the MAGA movement within the so-called “Epstein Files,” it should have been released by those adversaries.
Trump’s remarks were made in the context of rising tensions between the FBI and the Department of Justice. According to CNN, Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino has contemplated resigning due to these ongoing disputes. This disagreement has been exacerbated by Trump’s insistence that the FBI should focus on issues he considers more pressing, such as alleged voter fraud and political corruption, rather than continuing investigations into Epstein.
The memo’s release has not only ignited criticism from Trump’s supporters but also raised questions about the priorities of law enforcement agencies. Trump further emphasized his desire for the FBI to redirect its focus, stating, “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.”
In a show of solidarity, Trump reiterated his support for Bondi, urging, “LET PAM BONDI DO HER JOB — SHE’S GREAT!” He characterized Epstein as “somebody that nobody cares about,” reflecting his desire to shift the conversation away from the controversies surrounding the late financier.
This ongoing saga underscores the complex dynamics within Trump’s political base, as well as the broader implications of the Epstein investigation. As tensions mount, both Trump and Bondi will likely continue to navigate the fallout from this high-profile case.