U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Deputy Director Dan Bongino has publicly confessed to being ‘shocked to his core’ by internal investigations tied to the Jeffrey Epstein case, stating he will ‘never be the same’ after learning the facts. Bongino’s remarks reflect ongoing internal tensions within the FBI as it grapples with the fallout of the Epstein case, a matter that has been scrutinized for years due to the secretive nature of the files and the circumstances surrounding Epstein’s death in federal custody in 2019. The FBI is under pressure to release these files, which the public and lawmakers are demanding. The circumstances of Epstein’s death—as officially ruled a suicide—have led to persistent speculation about possible misconduct or an attempt to conceal information.
Recent developments have increased the FBI’s focus on public corruption and the political weaponization of law enforcement and intelligence operations, as highlighted by Bongino on his X platform. While he did not specify the targets of these investigations, he described them as ‘properly predicated and necessary,’ emphasizing the urgency of addressing these issues within the bureau. The FBI’s internal review process has come under increased scrutiny, particularly following the release of 11 hours of surveillance footage from Epstein’s New York jail cell last month. This footage includes an unexplained 60, as well as the release of further documents, raising questions about transparency and the possibility of a cover-up.
Bongino’s comments have also drawn attention to the role of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in managing the investigation. Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s former girlfriend and longtime associate, was recently interviewed by the DOJ under a limited immunity deal, but her legal team has denied any agreement to testify before Congress. The U.S. House of Representatives has launched an oversight probe into the matter, indicating that the investigation is continuing. President Donald Trump, who returned to office in January, had initially promised to fully release sealed files related to the Epstein case, but recent actions suggest he may be hesitant to follow through on that commitment, adding to the controversy surrounding the issue.