WASHINGTON — U.S. Atty. Gen. Pam Bondi faced a contentious House Judiciary Committee hearing on Wednesday, repeatedly clashing with lawmakers over the Justice Department’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation and demands for greater transparency in the case.
A Contentious Hearing
Bondi accused both Democrats and at least one Republican on the committee of engaging in “theatrics” while answering questions regarding redaction errors in the millions of files related to the Epstein case that the Justice Department released last month. Bondi acknowledged mistakes were made in complying with a federal law requiring the review and release of the files within 30 days, but stated the “error rate was very low” and issues were corrected as they arose.
The hearing was marked by heated exchanges, occurring as eight Epstein survivors were present. Bondi refused to apologize to the survivors in attendance, stating she would not “receive into the gutter” with what she characterized as partisan requests. She also declined to disclose how many individuals connected to the Epstein case are currently under investigation.
Political Fallout and Investigations
The Epstein saga has develop into a “political cudgel” for Democrats, and the release of the files last month has prompted increased scrutiny from Republicans who previously refrained from criticizing Trump administration officials. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) accused the Trump administration of a “cover-up,” a claim Bondi dismissed as “Trump derangement syndrome.”
Lawmakers questioned Bondi about the ties between senior administration officials and Epstein. When asked if federal prosecutors had spoken with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Bondi stated he had “addressed those ties himself.” Democrats also pressed Bondi on whether the Justice Department had evidence linking Donald Trump to Epstein’s sex-trafficking crimes, but Bondi maintained there was “no evidence” of any wrongdoing by Trump.
Broader Concerns About Justice Department Actions
Beyond the Epstein files, Democrats expressed concerns about the Justice Department’s investigations and prosecutions of the president’s political opponents. Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland asserted that Bondi had turned the agency into “Trump’s instrument of revenge,” alleging the administration directs prosecutions “like pizza.” He cited the failed attempt to indict six Democratic lawmakers for urging service members to disobey unlawful orders.
Democrats also criticized the Justice Department’s prosecution of journalist Don Lemon, who was arrested after covering a protest in Minnesota. Bondi defended the prosecution, referring to Lemon as a “blogger.” The hearing also touched on a Justice Department memo directing the FBI to compile a list of groups engaged in domestic terrorism, with Bondi acknowledging that “antifa” was part of that list.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Pam Bondi’s response to questions about redaction errors in the Epstein files?
Bondi acknowledged that mistakes were made but stated the “error rate was very low” and that fixes were made when issues were encountered.
Did Pam Bondi apologize to Epstein survivors who attended the hearing?
No, Bondi refused to apologize, stating she would not “get into the gutter” with partisan requests from Democrats.
What other cases were raised during the hearing besides the Epstein investigation?
Lawmakers questioned Bondi about the prosecution of journalist Don Lemon and the Justice Department’s attempt to indict six Democratic lawmakers, as well as a memo regarding a list of groups engaged in domestic terrorism.
Given the contentious nature of the hearing and the ongoing investigations, what impact will these events have on public trust in the Justice Department?
