FBI Director denies plan to quit over Epstein decision

The director of the FBI has been forced to deny resignation rumours over his reported unhappiness at a justice department decision to close the book on Jeffrey Epstein.

- Edward Helmore

Kash Patel posted on social media: "The conspiracy theories just aren't true, never have been. It's an honor to serve the President of the United States - and I'll continue to do so for as long as he calls on me."

Maga hardliners including the former White House adviser Steve Bannon and - reportedly - the FBI's deputy director, Dan Bongino, have criticised a decision by the bureau and the attorney general, Pam Bondi, to withhold further information about the financier.