Former Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared before the U.S. House Oversight and Reform Committee on Friday to answer questions about the Department of Justice's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation and the release of related files under her leadership.
Bondi's Defense of Department Actions
In her prepared opening statement, Bondi defended the department's record, stating, "We demonstrated an unprecedented commitment to transparency in the department's search for, collection and review of the Epstein files." She described the process as "enormously complicated and labor-intensive" and asserted that, to her knowledge, the department produced everything required under the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
Bondi noted that she delegated oversight to Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche and relied on a team of professionals who assured her that withheld materials were nonresponsive, privileged, or duplicative. She acknowledged "redaction errors" but emphasized the department's commitment to accountability and transparency from the start.
Committee and Survivor Reactions
Committee Chairman James Comer expressed intent to determine whether more documents could be legally turned over. Ranking Democrat Robert Garcia criticized the decision not to videotape the interview and raised concerns about incomplete file releases and potential cover-ups. Survivors of Epstein's abuse held a press conference before the deposition, calling for truth and transparency, with one survivor, Danielle Bensky, highlighting the improper disclosure of identities and sensitive information.
Background and Legal Proceedings
Bondi was subpoenaed in March but initially refused to appear after being removed from her role by President Trump. The DOJ argued the subpoena no longer applied, leading Democrats to file a civil contempt resolution. Bondi eventually agreed to appear on May 29, with her interview transcribed and released later. DOJ officials, including Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, attended to provide context on the department's processes.
Earlier this week, it was reported that Trump appointed Bondi to an AI advisory committee and that she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, for which she is undergoing treatment.
