Former Attorney General Pam Bondi defended the Department of Justice’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files during a closed-door appearance before the House Oversight Committee on Friday, arguing that the department fulfilled its obligations under the Epstein Files Transparency Act and delivered an unprecedented level of public disclosure.
Bondi’s testimony came as lawmakers continue examining the federal government’s management of the Epstein investigation, the release of related records, and whether additional materials remain eligible for public disclosure. In opening remarks obtained by multiple media outlets, Bondi maintained that the Justice Department had gone further than any previous administration in making Epstein-related information available to the public.
“Justice and transparency have been delivered,” Bondi told lawmakers, asserting that all materials required under federal law had been released.
While defending the department’s efforts, Bondi acknowledged that mistakes occurred during the release process, including redaction errors that resulted in certain victim information being improperly disclosed. She described the project as a massive undertaking involving the review of millions of pages of records and emphasized the department’s commitment to transparency.
According to Bondi, approximately three million pages of documents were reviewed and ultimately released. She also testified that she delegated oversight of the disclosure process to then-Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, who currently serves as acting attorney general.
The hearing marked Bondi’s first extensive public defense of the department’s actions since leaving office in April. She appeared before lawmakers wearing a bandage on her neck following recent treatment for thyroid cancer.
Republican committee members focused on whether additional records could legally be released. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer stated that lawmakers are seeking clarity regarding documents that remain withheld and whether further disclosures are possible under existing law.
“We’re going to try to determine whether or not there can be more documents legally turned over,” Comer said prior to the hearing. “I want every document. I don’t want anything held back.”
Democratic lawmakers, meanwhile, criticized Bondi’s refusal to discuss conversations involving President Donald Trump. According to members present, Bondi declined to answer questions regarding communications with Trump, citing executive privilege and longstanding protections surrounding discussions between presidents and senior administration officials.
The hearing also included discussion of convicted Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell. Sources familiar with Bondi’s testimony said she expressed opposition to any pardon for Maxwell, stating that she believes Maxwell should spend the remainder of her life in prison. Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year federal sentence for sex trafficking offenses connected to Epstein’s criminal operation.
The hearing took place nearly 15 months after Bondi first pledged greater transparency regarding the Epstein files and months after Congress enacted legislation requiring broader disclosure of investigative materials.
