Amid Epstein backlash, Bondi ends case against MAGA-backed Utah doctor

Attorney General Pam Bondi on Saturday ordered an abrupt end to the Justice Department’s prosecution of a Utah plastic surgeon charged with running a covid-19 fraud scheme, a case that had drawn backlash from prominent Republican lawmakers and vaccine skeptics.

Michael Kirk Moore Jr. and three others connected to his practice were indicted in January 2023 on allegations that they destroyed coronavirus vaccines, issued fake vaccination cards, and injected patients with saline instead of the vaccine per their request.

Bondi’s decision to end the case came a week into Moore’s ongoing trial on counts of conspiracy, fraud and destruction of government property. It also comes as she faces growing calls for her resignation from parts of President Donald Trump’s base over her handling of the investigation into disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. That backlash prompted the president on Saturday to issue a strong message of support on social media for Bondi and her work.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/07/12/bondi-epstein-justice-department/