FBI Director Kash Patel has denied rumours of his resignation amid growing tension between the FBI and the Department of Justice (DOJ) over the Jeffrey Epstein case. After the DOJ declared the Epstein case closed, despite earlier promises to release more evidence, rumours intensified.
The action angered conservative supporters who anticipated revelations, not a closure. Patel strongly denied resigning, even as the controversy widened, and apparent cracks in President Trump's law enforcement leadership.
At the centre of the controversy is a jointly signed DOJ-FBI memo announcing that Epstein committed suicide. It further said that no client list or uncharged individuals could be charged.
This determination went contrary to previous assurances of Attorney General Pam Bondi, who publicly stated that a list of clients "sat on her desk" and would be scrutinized. The about-face has angered conservative players who expected the administration to finally expose suspected high-profile perpetrators.
There were soon reports of a fiery confrontation between FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino and Attorney General Bondi at the White House.
Sources told of Bongino threatening to quit over the DOJ's reversal on Epstein-related prosecutions. This once again sparked speculation that Director Patel may also resign in protest.
In response, Director Kash Patel addressed the speculation directly on Saturday via his social media. He wrote, “The conspiracy theories just aren’t true, never have been. It’s an honour to serve the President of the United States Donald Trump — and I’ll continue to do so for as long as he calls on me.”
His comment came as increasing online conversation criticized Patel for remaining quiet while the DOJ "buried the truth." Some right-wing pundits started questioning the integrity of Trump's justice team, even after initially praising Patel and Bongino as guardians of transparency.
Even as Kash Patel denied the accusations, public friction has unearthed entrenched divisions among top law enforcement officials. Despite appearing to be final, the DOJ ruling left many in the administration's base feeling dubious and irritated. Washington has once again been rocked by the Epstein saga, which has long been cloaked in mystery and conjecture.
It's unclear if this incident marks the end of the crisis or the beginning of further dissent. Patel's denial, however, shows that despite growing internal pressure, the top levels are still in place, at least for the time being.
