Former Attorney General Pam Bondi defended the Justice Department’s approach to handling records related to Jeffrey Epstein during a closed-door interview with the House Oversight Committee on Friday, asserting that the department complied fully with the requirements of the Epstein Files Transparency Act and went beyond past administrations in releasing information to the public.
In remarks obtained by multiple media outlets, Bondi told lawmakers that the Justice Department had fulfilled its statutory obligations and characterized the disclosure effort as one of the most extensive document releases in its history. She emphasized that millions of pages were reviewed during the process, with approximately three million pages of Epstein-related material ultimately made available.
Bondi acknowledged that the large-scale release effort was not without errors. She specifically pointed to mistakes in redaction procedures that resulted in some sensitive victim information being inadvertently exposed. She said responsibility for overseeing the disclosure process had been assigned to then–Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, who now serves as acting attorney general.
The interview represented Bondi’s most comprehensive public explanation of the department’s handling of Epstein-related records since leaving office earlier this year. She appeared before lawmakers while recovering from recent thyroid cancer treatment, wearing a bandage on her neck.
Republican members of the committee focused their questioning on whether additional Epstein-related documents could still be legally released and what criteria were being used to determine withholding. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer said investigators are seeking full clarity on whether further disclosures are possible under the law.
Democratic lawmakers, meanwhile, criticized Bondi for declining to answer questions regarding any communications involving President Donald Trump. She cited executive privilege considerations and longstanding protections surrounding internal executive branch discussions. Some Democrats also objected to the fact that the deposition was conducted privately and not broadcast publicly.
The issue of Trump’s historical ties to Epstein surfaced repeatedly during the questioning, with Democrats arguing that Bondi avoided addressing key concerns. However, other Justice Department records referenced in the inquiry reportedly indicate Trump had previously raised concerns about Epstein with law enforcement officials in 2006 and later distanced himself from him.
Bondi also addressed Ghislaine Maxwell’s case, stating she opposes any form of pardon and believes Maxwell should serve her full sentence. Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year federal prison term for sex trafficking-related convictions connected to Epstein’s criminal network.
The hearing came months after Congress passed legislation mandating broader transparency in the release of Epstein-related investigative materials.
