Former Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared before House lawmakers on Friday for a closed-door interview regarding the release of case files on Jeffrey Epstein. Bondi, who was accompanied by a lawyer from the Department of Justice, refused to answer questions about former President Donald Trump’s involvement in the process.
Justice and Transparency
In her opening statement, Bondi emphasized the administration’s commitment to justice and transparency, stating that the release of the files was directed by President Trump. She noted that the process, overseen by then-Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, was complex and labor-intensive, acknowledging some redaction errors but defending the overall compliance with the law.
Democratic Lawmakers’ Concerns
Democratic lawmakers expressed frustration over Bondi’s refusal to discuss Trump’s involvement, with Rep. Dave Min calling the session a “sham.” The interview was part of a broader investigation into the handling of Epstein’s case files, which included personal information of potential victims.
Survivors Seek Accountability
Outside the Capitol, several survivors of Epstein’s abuse gathered, urging Bondi to be honest about the file release process. They also confronted Republican Rep. James Comer, who assured them of his commitment to justice for the survivors and the complete release of the mandated files.
Political Tensions
Bondi’s appearance before the committee comes amid ongoing political tensions. The House Oversight Committee, led by Comer, has been investigating the Epstein case across multiple administrations. Bondi’s decision to sit for a transcribed interview rather than a sworn deposition has been criticized by Democrats, who objected to the lack of video recording of the session.
Despite the contentious atmosphere, Comer stated that Bondi could face prosecution if she lies to Congress, and he promised to release a transcript of the interview. Bondi, who recently revealed her thyroid cancer diagnosis, continues to maintain ties with the Republican administration, having been appointed to a White House panel on artificial intelligence.
Original reporting: KING5 Seattle — read the source article.
