Former Attorney General Pam Bondi insisted before the House Oversight Committee that the Justice Department fulfilled its obligations under the Epstein Files Transparency Act by releasing all mandated documents related to Jeffrey Epstein’s case. Bondi highlighted that while she oversaw the effort, she delegated the detailed review and management of the files to Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.
During a prolonged closed-door session, Bondi acknowledged procedural missteps, including redaction errors, but underscored the Department’s commitment to transparency and accountability throughout the release process. Her prepared statement stressed that the voluminous materials were produced to the best of her knowledge in full compliance with the statutory requirements.
Bondi’s testimony came amid ongoing congressional investigations into the Justice Department's handling of Epstein-related prosecutions and the delay in releasing the documents publicly. Critics, including some Democratic lawmakers, have questioned her role and suggested she shifted responsibility to Blanche. Bondi pushed back on these claims in a social media post, praising Blanche’s leadership and ethics during the demanding process.
The former attorney general also faced public pressure from Epstein survivors as she arrived for the hearing, although she declined to answer media questions outside the committee.
Her tenure ended abruptly after former President Trump removed her, reportedly frustrated with her handling of the Epstein files and perceived shortcomings in prosecuting his political adversaries. Trump characterized Bondi as a patriotic and loyal official and indicated she would soon start a private-sector role.