Former U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi refused to answer questions from congressional lawmakers about President Donald Trump’s involvement in the release of Jeffrey Epstein-related case files during a closed-door interview before the House Oversight Committee on Friday.
Bondi defended the Trump administration’s handling of the records, saying the process was conducted under the oversight of acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and was intended to fulfill legal requirements for transparency.
Democratic lawmakers, however, accused her of avoiding key questions about Trump’s knowledge of Epstein’s activities and the administration’s role in redacting documents before their release.
In prepared remarks, Bondi said she delegated oversight of the document review process to Blanche and maintained that the Justice Department had complied with legal obligations regarding the files.
She acknowledged that redaction errors had occurred but argued that the department demonstrated an “unprecedented commitment to transparency.”
Democrats said Bondi repeatedly declined to answer questions concerning Trump, citing guidance from a Justice Department lawyer who accompanied her during the interview.
Representative Robert Garcia said Bondi refused to address inquiries related to the president, while Representative James Walkinshaw said Bondi responded that she was “not certain of the extent of his knowledge” when asked about Trump’s awareness of Epstein’s crimes.
Representative Melanie Stansbury said lawmakers were told that roughly 3 million of 6 million Epstein-related documents had been released, describing the situation as a cover-up.
Committee Chairman James Comer said lawmakers were seeking answers about what records remain unreleased and why.
The hearing marked the latest chapter in a prolonged dispute over the handling of Epstein-related records, an issue that has drawn criticism from Democrats and some Republicans.
Lawmakers also criticized the decision not to videotape the interview, arguing that public access would have improved transparency.
Outside the Capitol, survivors of Epstein’s abuse urged lawmakers to hold officials accountable for the release process, particularly after personal information and sensitive material were included in some disclosures.
Bondi, who left the Justice Department last month, defended the department’s actions and expressed support for Blanche’s management of the review effort.
Democrats said they may continue pursuing additional testimony and enforcement actions related to the investigation, including possible efforts to compel further cooperation from current Justice Department officials.