Originally published at: https://peakprosperity.com/daily-digest/conflict-between-bongino-and-bondi-ignites-public-interest-in-epstein-surges/
US Politics
Public interest in the Jeffrey Epstein case has surged, with Google searches for “Epstein” increasing by 1,200% this week, surpassing other Trump-related topics such as tariffs and Grok, according to data shared by Brian Allen. This rise coincides with reports of the Trump administration’s limited engagement on the issue, as noted by various online commentators. Additionally, newly released FBI surveillance footage from Epstein’s prison cell, described as “raw” by the Department of Justice, shows indications of editing, according to an analysis by WIRED. Metadata reportedly suggests the video was altered using Adobe Premiere Pro, prompting questions about its authenticity, though the DOJ maintains that Epstein died by suicide in 2019. However, the FBI has stated that the video was processed for public viewing but not altered to deceive, emphasizing adjustments were made for clarity.
Separately, sources have reported internal tensions within the administration. A conflict between Dan Bongino and Pam Bondi at the White House over the FBI’s handling of the Epstein case has been cited, with sources saying that Bongino has not returned to the office since the incident. Kash Patel has reportedly threatened resignation if Bondi remains in her role while Bongino leaves, according to Nick Sortor. Additionally, Glenn Beck has filed a FOIA request for Bongino’s Epstein-related communications with Bondi and has publicly urged President Trump to retain Bongino. Bondi, however, has denied significant conflict, calling rumors of personal disputes unfounded and a distraction from their work.
Speculation about potential Attorney General replacements has emerged, with names like Ron DeSantis and Ken Paxton mentioned by GOP insiders and donors, according to Laura Loomer, in the event of Bondi’s removal.
On legislative matters, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene is proposing amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act to reduce $500 million in military aid to Israel, as discussed on Steve Bannon’s “War Room” podcast, citing the country’s status as a nuclear-armed state and prioritizing U.S. defense funding. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) has criticized this move, arguing that support for Israel is crucial for U.S. national security interests.
Health
A study from Cambridge University, published in Nature Microbiology and reported by The Epoch Times, indicates that gut bacteria may help detoxify the body of PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” which are linked to health issues such as cancer. The research found that nine bacterial species absorbed up to 75 percent of these chemicals in mice, excreting them as waste. Researchers are exploring the development of probiotic supplements, though experts note that human testing and long-term effects have not yet been studied. ScienceAlert cautioned that translating mouse studies to humans poses challenges and potential risks to gut microbiota remain uncertain.
Economy
The U.S. Department of Education will resume interest accrual for 7.7 million student loan borrowers under the SAVE plan starting August 1, following court rulings that found parts of the plan to be unlawful, as reported by The Epoch Times. Borrowers will be directed to alternative repayment options.
In cryptocurrency markets, Bitcoin reached a record high of $118,755, driven by institutional adoption and significant ETF inflows, according to CoinTelegraph and Bitcoin Magazine. U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $1.17 billion in inflows on a single day, the second-highest ever. Partnerships, such as Emirates integrating crypto payments, are also contributing to the market’s growth, though security and regulatory challenges persist. The Financial Times cautioned that ETF inflows might reflect short-term speculative fervor rather than sustainable investment.
Energy
California faces a projected 17 percent drop in oil refining capacity over the next year, according to the Energy Information Administration. Phillips 66 and Valero Energy Corporation plan to close refineries in Wilmington and Benicia by late 2024 and April 2026, respectively, as reported by The Epoch Times. With California’s gasoline prices currently at $4.53 per gallon—compared to the national average of $3.17—limited regional supply chains and strict fuel standards may impact costs, with replacement fuels potentially sourced from Asia. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) noted that while higher costs are possible, mandated fuel blends are essential for public health and environmental protection.
Sources
Trump’s Epstein Stonewall Backfires: Google Searches Surge 1,200% This Week
When cover-ups outtrend policy, you haven’t buried the scandal, you’ve fed it steroids.
Kash Patel Threatens Resignation Over Bondi’s Role, Sparking Controversy
🚨 BREAKING: Now KASH PATEL is considering RESIGNING if Bondi stays and Dan Bongino goes, per Daily Wire
Dan Bongino and Pam Bondi Clash at White House Over FBI’s Epstein Handling
Sources confirm to me the blow up between Dan Bongino and Pam Bondi is very real.
DeSantis and Paxton Floated as Potential Attorney General Picks Amid GOP Speculation
I’m told @GovRonDeSantis has been considered/floated for the role of Attorney General by some over the last few months.
FBI’s ‘Raw’ Epstein Footage Raises New Doubts After Signs of Editing Surface
“If a lawyer brought me this file and asked if it was suitable for court, I’d say no. Go back to the source. Do it right.”
Gut Bacteria Could Be Key to Flushing Out Toxic ‘Forever Chemicals,’ Cambridge Study Suggests
“This uncovers a new beneficial role of gut bacteria for the human health—to help removing toxic PFAS from our body.”
MTG Targets $500M in Aid to ‘Nuclear-Armed Israel’ in Bold NDAA Amendment Push
I’m entering amendments to strike $500 million more for nuclear-armed Israel. And it’s important to say nuclear-armed Israel, because they do have nuclear weapons.
California Faces 17% Drop in Oil Refining Capacity, Fuel Price Volatility Ahead: EIA
Closure of the facilities can lead to “increases in fuel price volatility on the West Coast,” EIA said, highlighting that California “usually has higher retail gasoline prices compared with the national average.”
Education Department to Restart Interest for 7.7 Million Student Loan Borrowers Under SAVE Plan
“For years, the Biden administration used so-called ‘loan forgiveness’ promises to win votes, but federal courts repeatedly ruled that those actions were unlawful,” said Secretary of Education Linda McMahon.
Bitcoin and Ether Surge as ETFs Record Second-Highest Inflows Ever
Bitcoin and Ether investors piled into their respective crypto-themed funds on Thursday, marking their second-largest daily inflows since their inception.
Bitcoin Soars to $118K: Institutional Adoption and ETFs Fuel Record-Breaking Rally
Bitcoin’s milestone of $118,755 is a testament to its growing maturity as a global asset.
Glenn Beck Files FOIA Request for Dan Bongino’s Epstein-Related Communications with Pam Bondi
My team has filed a FOIA for all of @danbongino’s texts and emails regarding Epstein to Pam Bondi.
Glenn Beck Pleads with Trump to Save Dan Bongino Amid Pam Bondi Controversy
America can’t lose Dan Bongino. He has so much credibility, everybody knows him, loves him.
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: FBI Official X Account, Pam Bondi X Account, American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) X Account, ScienceAlert X Account, California Air Resources Board (CARB) X Account, and Financial Times X Account.