Attorney General Pam Bondi Faces Heated Congress Hearing/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Attorney General Pam Bondi faced intense questioning over the Justice Department’s handling of Epstein files. Lawmakers also pressed her on a failed attempt to indict Democratic members of Congress. Bondi defended her record while apologizing to victims present at the hearing.
Pam Bondi Congress Hearing – Quick Looks
- Bondi testifies before House Judiciary Committee
- Epstein survivors attend and confront DOJ over redactions
- Grand jury declines to indict Democratic lawmakers
- Democrats accuse DOJ of politicized investigations
- Bondi vows to investigate any credible criminal allegations
Deep Look: Pam Bondi Faces Congress Over Epstein Files and Investigation of Lawmakers
Attorney General Pam Bondi faced sharp bipartisan scrutiny Wednesday as she appeared before the House Judiciary Committee, defending the Justice Department’s handling of newly released Jeffrey Epstein case files while addressing controversy surrounding a failed attempt to prosecute Democratic lawmakers.
In a packed hearing room that included several Epstein survivors, Bondi opened her testimony by expressing sympathy for victims of the disgraced financier’s abuse.
“I am deeply sorry for what you suffered,” she said, adding that any credible accusations of criminal wrongdoing would be fully investigated.
Epstein Files Under Fire
Bondi’s appearance marked her first congressional testimony since the release of more than 3 million additional pages of Epstein-related documents under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Survivors and Democrats have criticized the Justice Department’s redaction process, arguing that it shielded powerful individuals while exposing sensitive personal information — including nude photographs — belonging to victims.
Bondi defended the department’s efforts, saying staff worked under tight legislative deadlines and removed documents when notified of errors. She emphasized her background as a career prosecutor focused on protecting victims of abuse.
Still, Democratic lawmakers accused her of perpetuating a cover-up. Rep. Jamie Raskin, the committee’s top Democrat, introduced Epstein survivors in attendance and accused Bondi of “siding with perpetrators” unless she changed course.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal sharply questioned Bondi about redactions that allegedly concealed names of influential figures while failing to protect victims’ identities. A heated exchange followed, with raised voices as Bondi pushed back against accusations of misconduct.
Rep. Zoe Lofgren pressed Bondi on whether additional investigations would be opened into individuals referenced in released emails. Bondi responded that the department would “look into anything” involving victims.
An Associated Press review of internal Justice Department documents has previously indicated that while investigators found strong evidence of Epstein’s abuse of underage girls, they uncovered limited proof that he operated a broader trafficking network serving powerful associates.
Failed Indictments of Lawmakers
The hearing also focused on a separate controversy: the Justice Department’s attempt to bring charges against Democratic lawmakers who produced a video advising U.S. service members not to follow “illegal orders.”
The video featured Sens. Mark Kelly and Elissa Slotkin, along with other Democrats, urging adherence to established military protocols.
Prosecutors sought charges, but a Washington grand jury declined to issue indictments — an unusual and public rebuke of the department’s case. It remains unclear which charges were pursued or whether indictments were sought against all lawmakers involved.
Democrats argued the investigation reflected political retaliation. Raskin described the Justice Department under Bondi as a “vendetta factory,” accusing it of targeting critics of President Donald Trump.
Republican committee Chairman Jim Jordan countered that Bondi had restored the department’s focus on public safety and law enforcement priorities after what he described as politicization during the Biden administration.
Broader Scrutiny
Bondi also faced questions about federal investigations into two fatal shootings in Minneapolis involving federal officers and broader concerns about how the department exercises prosecutorial discretion.
She defended her tenure by citing declining violent crime rates and reaffirming the department’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.
The contentious hearing underscored ongoing political divisions over the Justice Department’s role in high-profile investigations — from Epstein’s legacy to disputes over free speech and executive authority.
As additional document reviews continue and legal battles unfold, Bondi’s leadership remains under intense scrutiny heading into a pivotal election year.
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