Patel and Bongino tell Fox News Epstein killed himself

FBI Director Kash Patel and Secret Service Director Dan Bongino appeared on Fox News and stated that Jeffrey Epstein killed himself, contradicting widespread public skepticism and prior calls for transparency. The statement came as a House task force deadline for full DOJ file release passed without compliance, fueling accusations that the administration was managing rather than revealing Epstein-related evidence.

FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino told Fox News on May 18, 2025 that Jeffrey Epstein killed himself in his Manhattan jail cell. "You know a suicide when you see one, and that's what that was," Patel told host Maria Bartiromo on Sunday Morning Futures. Bongino added: "He killed himself. I've seen the whole file." The statement marked a sharp reversal for both men. As a podcaster in 2023, Bongino told millions of listeners to "not let that story go" when discussing doubts about Epstein's death. Patel had previously promoted theories about elite trafficking networks tied to Epstein. The interview aired shortly after Attorney General Pam Bondi briefed President Trump that his name appeared in the Epstein files. MAGA supporters who had championed both men's earlier skepticism responded with fury, calling them traitors for accepting the official suicide finding.