Pam Bondi Defends DOJ’s Epstein Files Release Amid Congressional Criticism

Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi testified before the House Oversight Committee, asserting that the Department of Justice complied with the Epstein Files Transparency Act and produced “everything required” in the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. She acknowledged redaction errors but said the effort demonstrated “unprecedented commitment to transparency” directed by former President Donald Trump.

Democratic members expressed disappointment that Bondi’s closed‑door interview was not televised, with Rep. Robert Garcia calling for a public record and Rep. James Walkinshaw accusing her of a “cover‑up.” Former DOJ public‑affairs director Anthony Coley disputed Bondi’s attempt to shift blame to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, writing that Bondi “owns every decision she made as attorney general” and had previously refused meetings with Epstein survivors while granting a Situation‑Room meeting to Rep. Lauren Boebert. White House chief of staff Susie Wiles criticized Bondi’s handling of the file list, saying “there is no client list.”