U.S. Attorney General Bondi Testifies on Epstein Document Release Amid Lawmaker Criticism
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi defended the Justice Department’s handling of files related to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during testimony before the House Judiciary Committee, emphasizing the department’s exhaustive review of millions of documents under a compressed timeline.
Bondi’s appearance comes amid growing frustration from lawmakers — including Republicans — over the department’s redactions and withholding of certain materials, despite a federal law requiring the release of nearly all Epstein-related documents.
Last month, the Justice Department released what it called its final tranche of more than three million pages, renewing scrutiny of wealthy and influential individuals who maintained ties to Epstein even after his 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. “I have spent my entire career fighting for victims, and I will continue to do so,” Bondi said in her opening statement.
Lawmakers Challenge Redactions
Several members of the committee criticized the extent of the redactions, suggesting they exceeded the limited exemptions allowed under the November law. The department has also withheld a significant portion of material, citing legal privileges.
Representative Jamie Raskin (D–Md.), the committee’s top Democrat, introduced several Epstein victims who attended the hearing, accusing Bondi of shielding Epstein’s associates from “embarrassment and disgrace.” “As attorney general, you’re siding with the perpetrators and ignoring the victims,” Raskin said.
Epstein Files Continue to Haunt Bondi
The Epstein files have been a persistent issue for Bondi throughout her tenure as Attorney General under President Donald Trump.
The department’s decision last summer to withhold additional materials sparked backlash, including from some of Trump’s online supporters, and renewed scrutiny of Trump’s prior association with Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.
The Justice Department maintains that its review process has been transparent and that redactions were necessary to protect victims, although some victims’ names were released with the documents.
Context of DOJ Under Bondi
Bondi’s hearing comes as the Justice Department faces broader scrutiny over its independence and alignment with Trump’s political priorities.
Recent controversies include unsuccessful prosecutions of former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, both of whom led investigations into Trump. DOJ is currently appealing a judge’s decision dismissing both cases.
Other recent DOJ actions, including FBI seizures of 2020 election ballots in Georgia and immigration enforcement efforts in Minnesota, may also figure into the questioning.
Bondi is expected to address the department’s handling of these high-profile cases, highlighting the challenges of balancing law enforcement with political pressures.
