Trump Called MAGA Influencers to Drop Epstein Criticism

Privately, Trump has doubled down on his support for Bondi. The president called some of the attorney general’s most vocal critics over the weekend in an effort to stem the bleeding over the Epstein files, CNN reported.

Trump’s calls included one with conservative activist Charlie Kirk on Saturday to express his support for Bondi. The call came as prominent MAGA supporters repeatedly criticized the attorney general at Kirk’s Turning Point USA Student Action Summit, a Florida event aimed at mobilizing young conservatives.

Members of the president’s inner circle have also reached out to some of Bondi’s critics to essentially ask them to ramp it down, noting that Trump, at this moment, was not getting rid of his attorney general. Sources cautioned that while Trump was currently still supporting Bondi, things could always change.

And on Sunday, Bondi appeared with Trump in the president’s box at the FIFA Club World Cup final in New Jersey. In one photo taken before the match, Trump could be seen flashing Bondi a thumbs-up.

CNN reported Friday that Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino has told people he is considering resigning amid a major clash between the FBI and the Department of Justice over the fallout from the release of the memo, which concluded there is no evidence Epstein kept a “client list” or was murdered.

Trump said “I think so” when asked by reporters Sunday whether Bongino was still FBI deputy director but indicated “he’s in good shape” after speaking with him earlier in the day.

“I think so. I spoke to him today. Dan Bongino is a very good guy. I’ve known him a long time. … And he sounded terrific,” he said, adding, “I think he’s in good shape.”

The memo’s release last week prompted fierce blowback from some Trump allies, including right-wing activist Laura Loomer, who has called for Bondi’s ouster.

Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon dedicated much of his Monday “War Room” podcast to the memo, questioning the administration’s dedication to transparency.

A Trump adviser called the memo’s release a “political nightmare” and suggested it could’ve been published before the holiday weekend when fewer people might see it — or perhaps even after the 2026 midterm elections.

Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson argued on his podcast that Bondi is “covering up crimes, very serious crimes by their own description.”

Epstein was a disgraced financier and convicted sex offender whose criminal case has long captured significant public attention, in part because of his ties to wealthy and high-profile people. In August 2019, while he was awaiting trial in a federal criminal case, Epstein was found unresponsive in his New York City jail cell. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His death was ruled a suicide.

The federal investigation of Epstein that led to his indictment happened during Trump’s first term. And Epstein’s suicide in federal prison also occurred during the first Trump administration. Then-Attorney General Bill Barr personally looked at video to make sure there wasn’t evidence of foul play, and the Department of Justice determined Epstein died by suicide.