Former FBI co-deputy director Dan Bongino returned to podcasting to defend the FBI's review of the Jeffrey Epstein files, calling the case a “level 10 problem” with no easy solution. He said his review found fewer corroborated leads than expected and that many claims were based on hearsay. Bongino defended Kash Patel's FBI overhaul and the use of social media by senior officials, and the episode closed with an interview in which Donald Trump praised Bongino's podcasting influence.
Dan Bongino Returns to Podcasting, Defends FBI Review of Epstein Files and Interviews Trump
Dan Bongino, then co-deputy director of the FBI, at a news conference at the Justice Department in Washington in December. (Alex Brandon / AP file)(Alex Brandon)
Former FBI co-deputy director Dan Bongino made a forceful return to his podcast on Monday, defending the bureau's review of the Jeffrey Epstein files, pushing back on critics and ending the episode with an interview with former President Donald Trump.
‘Level 10 Problem’
Bongino, who served as the No. 2 official under FBI Director Kash Patel and officially stepped down last month, called the Epstein matter a “level 10 problem” — a complex situation that, he said, had no easy or universally satisfying solution.
“It was never going to please everyone,” Bongino said.
He told listeners he always intended to serve roughly a year in the role and plans to use his podcast to confront what he described as “grifters” and commentators undermining unity within the MAGA movement. “This movement has been hijacked by doomers,” he added.
Reviewing The Files
Bongino said he and colleagues reviewed Epstein-related materials and found fewer corroborated leads than they had expected. He argued many claims were based on “double or triple hearsay,” and warned there were legal and practical obstacles to releasing more material. Those comments came after the public release of dockets under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, passed in response to a joint FBI–Justice Department memo that described an “exhaustive” review.
Past Claims And Changes
The episode revisited Bongino's earlier, often outspoken criticisms of the FBI. Before joining the bureau, he had repeatedly called the organization untrustworthy and had promoted theories suggesting Epstein might have been killed rather than dying by suicide — a claim investigators found no evidence to support. By May he publicly softened that position after cell video was cited showing Epstein alone in his cell.
Defending The Overhaul And Use Of Social Media
Bongino defended Director Patel's efforts to reshape the bureau and urged patience for reforms: “Good cases, good police work and personnel changes take time,” he said. He also rejected critics who faulted senior officials for communicating publicly via social platforms, arguing such outreach helps inform taxpayers about ongoing work. Critics have raised concerns that social posts could reveal or politicize active investigations.
Appointment And Controversy
His appointment as co-deputy director was controversial because he lacked prior FBI experience and had been a consistent critic of the agency. Former officials and media reports also questioned whether Bongino and Patel at times prioritized messaging on social media during sensitive operations.
Interview With Trump
The episode concluded with an interview in which Trump praised Bongino's podcast reach and said he was “torn” about whether Bongino's greater value might be as a media figure. “Very few people can do what you do,” Trump told him.
What To Watch: The episode underscores continuing debate over transparency in the Epstein probe, the pace and direction of reforms inside the FBI, and the role of media-savvy officials in shaping public perception of investigations.
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