U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi led a tense and combative exchange with Democrat leaders at a Congressional hearing where she was being grilled over her lack of investigation and prosecution of those named in the Epstein files.
Over the span of five hours on Wednesday, United States lawmakers questioned Attorney General Pam Bondi over the U.S. Justice Department’s (DOJ) handling of documents related to convicted late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Bondi, testifying before the House Judiciary Committee, defended the DOJ’s handling of the release of the Epstein records and said there are “pending investigations” in the case.
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During her opening remarks, Bondi deemed Epstein a “monster” and issued an apology to the victims.
“I am deeply sorry for what any victim, any victim, has been through, especially as a result of that monster,” Bondi said.
However, when prompted to face the victims of the alleged sex trafficker, Bondi refused to do so and accused the Democrats of theatrics.
Lawmakers pressed Bondi on why large portions of the Epstein files were heavily redacted and why some sensitive information was released without proper protections, prompting accusations of a coverup. Democrats insisted the department had failed to fully comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act and that survivors of Epstein’s abuse had not been given adequate attention or access to DOJ officials.
Bondi also faced tough questioning about co‑conspirators and further prosecutions related to Epstein. Some Republicans, including Rep. Thomas Massie, also criticized the department for the redaction errors and defended the need for transparency.
Maryland Democrat Jamie Raskin criticized the slow release of the Epstein files and the redactions made to the documents.
“You’re running a massive Epstein cover-up right out of the Department of Justice,” Raskin said. “You’ve been ordered by subpoena and by Congress to turn over six million documents, photographs and videos in the Epstein files, but you’ve turned over only three million.”
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The attorney general’s responses frequently became personal and confrontational. She traded barbs with Democrats, reportedly calling Rep. Jamie Raskin a washed‑up loser lawyer during one exchange and dismissing criticism as politically motivated.
The hearing underscores the high-stakes nature of public accountability for top officials like Pam Bondi. Her combative approach and refusal to engage directly with certain questions may solidify perceptions among critics that she prioritizes political defense over transparency, potentially affecting her credibility and influence in future oversight matters. At the same time, her ability to assert control over the hearing and defend DOJ decisions highlights her resilience and skill in navigating contentious political environments.
This may also shape Bondi’s broader public and professional reputation, influencing how colleagues, lawmakers, and the public evaluate her leadership style and judgment.