Tucker Carlson Blames Pam Bondi for Fallout in Dan Bongino’s Career Over Epstein Case

In a recent episode of the Culture Apothecary podcast, political commentator Tucker Carlson opened up about what he sees as the implosion of Dan Bongino’s career—and why he believes former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi played an unexpected role in it.

Carlson claimed that Bongino, a former Secret Service agent turned popular conservative media figure, was “on top of the world” before being asked by former President Donald Trump to step into a leadership position at the FBI. According to Carlson, Bongino was thriving in Florida, running a highly successful podcast, making great money, and enjoying his role as a major voice in the conservative movement.

“He didn’t need to change anything,” Carlson said. “But when Trump called on him to serve, he answered. He walked away from it all—his show, the income, the comfort—to move to Washington. He did it because he’s loyal, and because he loves the country.”

But then the Epstein controversy re-emerged, and things began to unravel.

Pam Bondi, now working within Trump’s broader circle, made headlines earlier this year during a Fox News appearance where she suggested she had access to the “Epstein file.” While her comments were vague, many viewers interpreted it as confirmation that she had a list of Epstein’s clients—something that has long been demanded by the public, especially Trump’s MAGA base.

Bondi’s comments fueled speculation and hope among conservatives that long-awaited accountability was coming. But that optimism didn’t last long.

When the Department of Justice later issued a statement reaffirming that Epstein had died by suicide and that there was no “client list” to be released, backlash exploded. Many MAGA supporters, who had trusted Bondi’s words, felt betrayed. That sense of betrayal spread quickly—and according to Carlson, it landed squarely on Dan Bongino’s shoulders.

“All of a sudden, people are looking at Dan like he’s in on some kind of cover-up,” Carlson said. “His credibility with his audience took a huge hit—not because of anything he did, but because of the perception that he was connected to the Epstein file and didn’t deliver.”

Carlson was quick to clarify that he doesn’t believe Bondi acted with bad intentions. “She’s not a bad person,” he said. “I think she just wanted to appear like she had important information, like she was in the loop. But that kind of posturing can have real consequences, and in this case, it really damaged Dan’s standing with his own supporters.”

The fallout was severe enough that Bongino reportedly considered resigning from his post. He missed work the previous Friday, and rumors swirled that he might be done for good. According to multiple reports, Bongino told friends he felt “miserable” and “like he’s dying inside” in his new government role.

Carlson expressed sympathy for Bongino’s situation. “Here’s a guy who gave up everything because he believes in Trump, and now he’s caught in the middle of this mess that he had nothing to do with,” he said. “He got totally shafted.”

The White House later clarified that Bondi had access to the overall Epstein case file but not a specific client list. However, for many in the MAGA base, that clarification came too late. The damage to Bongino’s relationship with his audience had already been done.

Despite the growing divide among Trump’s supporters, the former president stepped in to defend Bondi over the weekend. In a post on Truth Social, Trump urged unity and praised Bondi’s loyalty and service.

“We’re one team, MAGA,” Trump wrote. “And I don’t like what’s happening. We have a PERFECT Administration, THE TALK OF THE WORLD, and selfish people are trying to hurt it, all over a guy who never dies, Jeffrey Epstein.”

He added that Bondi is doing a “FANTASTIC JOB,” signaling that she still has his full support.

As for Bongino, sources told media outlets that he returned to work Monday after taking a personal day. However, internal tensions reportedly remain high, particularly after a contentious conversation with DOJ officials regarding the Epstein case.

The situation has created a rift among some conservative followers. While some still stand by Bongino, seeing him as a victim of the chaos surrounding the Epstein investigation, others feel misled and question his role in the handling of the case.

Carlson ended his remarks with a note of concern. “Dan’s in a tough spot,” he said. “He’s a good man, and he didn’t deserve this. I just hope people give him a chance to tell his side.