Former Attorney General Pam Bondi Testifies in Epstein Files Probe
Former US Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared before a congressional panel investigating convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Bondi, who was removed from her position as the nation's top law enforcement officer by President Donald Trump in April, testified regarding the US Justice Department's management of the release of Epstein-related documents.
The testimony took place behind closed doors in Washington DC, with the possibility that transcripts or video recordings may be released later. Bondi was formally summoned by the House Oversight Committee in March, shortly before Trump announced her removal from the role of top federal prosecutor.
Bondi Expresses Pride in Document Release
In her opening remarks to the committee, Bondi expressed pride in the department's transparency efforts concerning the release of documents related to Epstein, despite widespread criticism.
"We demonstrated an unprecedented commitment to transparency in the Department's search for, collection, and review of the Epstein files, producing nearly 3 million pages of material, including thousands of videos and hundreds of thousands of images," she stated.
Committee Investigation and Subpoena Details
The committee's Republican chairman, James Comer, indicated in a subpoena letter that the investigation focuses on the "possible mismanagement" of the Epstein investigation and compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. This legislation, signed into law by Trump, mandated the Justice Department to publicly release unclassified records related to Epstein.
Prior to the hearing, Comer told reporters that successive administrations had failed Epstein's victims and that Bondi would be questioned about her role in the document release process.
"We're going to try to determine whether or not there could be more documents legally turned over," Comer said. "I want every document. I don't want anything held back and I think the majority of the committee's the same way."
Democratic committee leader Robert Garcia expressed disappointment over the decision not to videotape the interview or release it to the public.
"We are incredibly disappointed of the decision to not have this interview videotaped and then released to the American public," Garcia said.
Background on Bondi's Summons and Criticism
Bondi's summons followed accusations by Republican lawmaker Nancy Mace that the Justice Department engaged in a "cover-up" during the release of Epstein files. Mace introduced a motion to subpoena Bondi, who previously served as Florida's attorney general and was part of Trump's 2020 impeachment defense team.
The Trump administration and Bondi faced bipartisan pressure to release all documents related to the investigation of Epstein, a convicted sex-trafficking financier who died in prison awaiting trial in 2019. Criticism arose over the handling of the files, including failure to redact the names of Epstein's victims.
Controversies During Bondi's Tenure
In February 2025, Bondi stated during a Fox News interview that she had a list of Epstein's high-profile clients "sitting on my desk right now." However, the Justice Department clarified in July that no such "client list" existed and that Bondi had referred to the overall case file.
Bondi's tenure was also marked by criticism from Democrats accusing her of politicizing the Justice Department after Trump urged her to investigate his political opponents more aggressively. She was succeeded on an interim basis by Trump's personal lawyer Todd Blanche.
Health Update and New Role
Earlier this week, it was disclosed that Bondi, aged 60, had been diagnosed with thyroid cancer. She informed CBS News, the BBC's US media partner, that she is undergoing treatment, including surgery performed a few weeks ago.
Bondi is slated to join the White House's new advisory council on artificial intelligence, the Presidential Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST). Following her departure from the Justice Department in early April, Bondi expressed enthusiasm about transitioning to the private sector. Her appointment to PCAST represents her first public role beyond the department.
Congressional Panel's Ongoing Investigations
Bondi is the latest prominent figure to appear before the committee. The panel has previously interviewed former President Bill Clinton, former First Lady Hillary Clinton, current Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Epstein's convicted associate Ghislaine Maxwell. Philanthropist Bill Gates is scheduled to testify in the coming weeks, according to Comer.
