Pam Bondi Dodges Epstein Questions Amid DOJ Turmoil/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Attorney General Pam Bondi refused to answer questions about the Jeffrey Epstein investigation and internal DOJ tensions, insisting she’ll stay in her role. As conservative frustration builds over unreleased Epstein files, Bondi focused on drug enforcement efforts instead. President Trump continues to back Bondi amid growing GOP criticism.
Quick Looks
- Pam Bondi avoids discussing Epstein records controversy
- DOJ turmoil deepens amid Bondi-Bongino tensions
- Bondi insists she’ll remain as attorney general
- Trump praises Bondi’s handling of Epstein matter
- Conservatives call for transparency on Epstein files
- DOJ says no further Epstein disclosures planned
- Bondi shifts focus to fentanyl and drug seizures
- Epstein records issue may widen rift in GOP base
Deep Look
Pam Bondi Deflects Epstein Questions, Vows to Stay On as DOJ Faces GOP Turmoil
ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — Attorney General Pam Bondi signaled Tuesday she has no intention of stepping down, brushing aside pointed questions about the Jeffrey Epstein investigation and her reported clash with FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino as she tried to project a “business as usual” image for the embattled Justice Department.
Speaking at the Drug Enforcement Administration headquarters, Bondi sought to pivot away from the swirling political controversy, instead highlighting significant drug seizures, including shipments of fentanyl smuggled inside cucumbers across the Mexican border.
“This today is about fentanyl overdoses throughout our country and people who have lost loved ones to fentanyl,” Bondi said firmly, when pressed by reporters about Epstein. “That’s the message that we’re here to send today. I’m not going to talk about Epstein.”
Bondi’s Future and Trump’s Support
Facing calls from some high-profile conservative influencers for her resignation, Bondi made clear she intends to remain in office.
“I’m going to be here for as long as the president wants me here,” she told reporters. “And I believe he’s made that crystal clear.”
President Donald Trump has continued to defend Bondi amid intensifying criticism, stating earlier Tuesday that she has handled the Epstein matter “very well.” Trump added it’s ultimately up to Bondi whether to release any more records, saying: “Whatever she thinks is credible, she should release.”
Asked about Trump’s statement, Bondi deferred, saying only that the DOJ memo issued last week “speaks for itself.”
Tensions Over Epstein Files and Bongino
The tension inside the Justice Department over the Epstein case spilled into public view last week after reports of friction between Bondi and Bongino. A NewsNation report claimed that FBI officials wanted to release the Epstein files months ago but were blocked by the department — a claim refuted by Bondi, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, and FBI Director Kash Patel, though notably not by Bongino.
When questioned Tuesday on whether Bongino should remain in his position, Bondi declined to comment on “personnel matters.” She emphasized instead that she’s working closely with other department leaders: “I think we all are committed to working together now to make America safe again, and that’s what we’re doing.”
A Controversial Investigation and Lingering Frustration
Bondi has faced mounting skepticism among conservatives who hoped for bombshell revelations in the Epstein case. In February, she made headlines by handing out binders of documents to conservative influencers at the White House — but the release ultimately lacked any significant new information. When that initial release fell flat, Bondi accused officials of withholding critical files from her, claiming later that the FBI delivered a “truckload” of additional evidence.
Despite repeated promises that more disclosures were imminent, the DOJ concluded after a months-long review that no “further disclosure would be appropriate or warranted,” according to the memo released last week.
This outcome has angered many in Trump’s base, who remain convinced that the Epstein files could expose high-profile figures and have called for greater transparency. Bondi’s refusal to discuss the matter publicly could further deepen conservative discontent.
The fallout from the Epstein controversy — and the internal DOJ disputes it has inflamed — continues to threaten the fragile balance in Trump’s political coalition as he pushes ahead with his second term.
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