Overview
- A two-page DOJ and FBI memo released on July 7 concluded that Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide in 2019 and that no secret client list exists
- Steve Bannon warned on July 11–12 that failure to reopen the Epstein investigation could cost Republicans up to 40 House seats in the 2026 midterms
- Bannon and conspiracy theorist Jack Posobiec are pressing the Justice Department to appoint a special prosecutor to probe Epstein’s alleged client list and potential blackmail network
- Attorney General Pam Bondi and President Trump have publicly backed the DOJ-FBI findings despite internal leaks and growing friction with FBI leaders
- The dispute reflects a widening split between hard-line MAGA influencers and GOP establishment figures over transparency and electoral strategy