Bondi Testifies on Epstein Files Transparency, Faces Criticism Over Handling

Bondi, removed as US Attorney General by Trump in April, testified on Epstein file transparency before the House Oversight Committee. She claimed an "unprecedented commitment to transparency" but faced criticism for withholding documents and exposing victim identities. The committee, led by Chairman James Comer, investigates "possible mismanagement" of the Epstein investigation. Democrats accused Bondi of evasiveness, deferring to her deputy, and being blocked by government lawyers from answering Trump-related questions. Bondi denied responsibility, praising the Justice Department's handling. The Trump administration has faced bipartisan pressure over the Epstein files, including a retracted claim of a "client list." Epstein died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial.

Democrats emerged from the three-hour interview criticizing Bondi's evasiveness. Congressman Suhas Subramanyam called it a "cover-up" with voluntary transcription and no video, alleging Bondi refused to discuss conversations with Trump. A survivor statement criticized Bondi for ignoring victims' will for justice. Bondi responded online, "NOT TRUE," praising Acting AG Blanche's management and ethics.

The Justice Department walked back Bondi's February 2025 claim of having Epstein's client list, stating no such list existed. During her tenure, Bondi also faced criticism for politicizing the Justice Department at Trump's request to investigate adversaries.