Pam Bondi Strengthens Control Over Justice Department in Wake of Epstein Files Fallout | CNN Politics

Pam Bondi is stepping back into the public eye after a rough patch over her management of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Recently, she has been working on strengthening her role within the Justice Department and its leadership.

This week, Bondi appointed a new co-deputy FBI director to work alongside Dan Bongino. Bongino had previously clashed with Bondi, even threatening to resign over issues related to Epstein. Many believe this change indicates that Bondi has emerged victorious in their ongoing power struggle.

After a month of media silence, triggered by backlash from Trump’s supporters, Bondi is slowly re-emerging. She has started appearing again on Fox News, suggesting that the Epstein controversy might be fading for her. She said, “It’s over. She made it through. She’s going to be fine,” according to a conservative ally.

Despite efforts to pivot discussions away from Epstein to other matters like drug enforcement, reporters continued to focus on the Epstein subject. At a recent press conference about fentanyl seizures, Bondi was asked about Epstein, to which she firmly stated she wouldn’t address the issue.

As she resumes her media presence, Bondi is focusing on issues like President Trump’s strategy to increase police presence in Washington, D.C. Additionally, she welcomed Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey to the FBI. This move hints that Bongino’s time might be limited, according to some Justice Department officials.

While Bondi’s supporters believe she has weathered the storm, challenges remain. House Republicans are demanding the FBI’s Epstein investigative files, and Democrats plan to keep this issue alive during upcoming hearings.

In internal discussions, some White House officials were not pleased with Bondi’s handling of the unintended chaos surrounding Epstein. Her behavior has drawn criticism, indicating her position may not be as secure as some believe.

It’s important to note that previous Attorney Generals typically distanced themselves from the president to maintain independence. In contrast, Bondi has embraced her closeness to Trump, solidifying her role in a way that stands out among her predecessors.

Recent surveys indicate that public trust in the FBI is waning, with a Gallup poll showing that only 48% of Americans express confidence in the bureau, a drop from previous years. This declining trust could further complicate Bondi’s situation.

The Epstein case is far from over, as many await new developments. While Bondi may be asserting her control, the shadows of past controversies could still haunt her.

For more information about public opinion on law enforcement and trust in institutions, check out the latest findings from the Pew Research Center.

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