Former U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi's congressional testimony has sparked new controversies surrounding the handling of Jeffrey Epstein case files and Donald Trump's potential involvement. During closed-door hearings on May 29-30, 2026, Bondi declined to address questions about Trump's connections to Epstein while shifting responsibility for document release issues to Acting AG Todd Blanche, Trump's nominee to replace her. The hearings revealed redaction errors and ongoing tensions between transparency demands and political sensitivities in the high-profile case.
Bondi repeatedly avoided answering whether Trump directed specific redactions, maintaining all materials were properly released under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. She later denied accusations of blaming Blanche for document release problems, despite lawmakers' claims she "threw him under the bus." Democratic Representative Robert Garcia highlighted contradictions in her statements about the investigation's shortcomings. ABC News+2
Epstein survivors attended the hearings, demanding accountability for the DOJ's handling of their cases. Victims allege deliberate dereliction of duty, particularly regarding the disclosure of victims' identities while protecting perpetrators' names. The sessions revealed continued anger over delayed justice since Epstein's 2019 jail death and Maxwell's subsequent conviction. Huanqiu+2
The hearings occurred during Bondi's transition out of office, with Democrats questioning the timing. Bondi defended the DOJ's actions while admitting oversight lapses in document redactions. Committee members highlighted discrepancies between her testimony and previous Justice Department statements about release protocols, particularly regarding Blanche's dual role as Trump's lawyer and document supervisor. Huanqiu+2
New details emerged about internal conflicts over redaction standards, with Bondi claiming delegated authority but unable to explain specific omissions. Lawmakers focused on why critical files remained sealed during her tenure and Blanche's oversight of the controversial release. Bondi testified she was uncertain about Trump's prior knowledge of Epstein and Maxwell's crimes. The Guardian+2