FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino sent shockwaves through right-wing circles on Sunday when he declared that Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide — a statement that directly contradicts the long-standing conspiracy theories surrounding the disgraced financier’s 2019 death.
Bongino appeared on Fox News Sunday Morning Futures alongside FBI Director Kash Patel for a wide-ranging interview with host Maria Bartiromo. When asked about the widespread skepticism over Epstein’s death inside New York’s Metropolitan Correctional Center, Patel acknowledged public doubt but stood by the official conclusion.
“People don’t believe it,” Bartiromo pressed, referring to Epstein’s alleged suicide. “They have a right to their opinion,” Patel replied. “But as someone who’s worked as a public defender, prosecutor, and been inside those prison systems — you know a suicide when you see one.”Bongino then jumped in unequivocally: “He killed himself. I’ve seen the whole file. He killed himself.”
Reactions to FBI Deputy Director’s comments on Jeffrey Epstein’s death
Following the broadcast, Bongino reiterated his stance on X, writing: “I have reviewed the case. Jeffrey Epstein killed himself. There’s no evidence in the case file suggesting otherwise. I’m not asking you to believe me or not. I’m telling you what exists and what doesn’t. If new evidence surfaces, I’m happy to re-evaluate.”
The statement marked a significant reversal for Bongino, who has previously entertained and echoed conspiracy theories about Epstein’s death — including allegations implicating high-profile figures such as former President Bill Clinton. Just last year on his podcast, Bongino claimed Clinton was “knee-deep in the Epstein scandal,” and earlier this year hinted at supposed inside knowledge: “You do not know all the details of this thing, I promise.” His comments now directly challenge a central belief among many MAGA supporters and conservative influencers who have long doubted the official narrative.
Donald Trump himself had cast doubt on Epstein’s cause of death, sharing tweets in 2019 questioning how Epstein could die while on suicide watch. One tweet implied a Clinton connection, stating: “He had information on Bill Clinton and now he’s dead,” followed by hashtags like #ClintonBodyCount and #ClintonCrimeFamily.
More recently, Trump signed an executive order calling for the release of classified documents, including those related to Epstein. In response, Attorney General Pam Bondi released the first batch earlier this year — which included flight logs, a redacted version of Epstein’s infamous contact book, and lists of evidence and masseuses. While the documents named various celebrities and public figures, no explosive revelations were found. The president himself was not listed in the contacts, and no one named was tied to Epstein’s criminal acts.
Conservative influencer Sarah Adams echoed calls for an independent investigation: “Given the FBI’s flawed Benghazi probe, I think an outside body should examine Epstein’s death to restore public trust.” Florida Republican and Lake County Commissioner Anthony Sabatini posted saying, “Jeffrey Epstein did not kill himself.”