Bondi Testifies Before Congress on Epstein Files: A Tale of Transparency and Controversy

On May 29, 2026, former U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi stood before the House Oversight Committee to discuss the release of more than three million pages of documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The testimony, held behind closed doors in a Capitol Hill office, raised new questions over the Justice Department’s handling of the files, allegations of a cover‑up, and the role of former President Trump.

Bondi began by asserting that the Department of Justice had demonstrated an “unprecedented commitment to transparency” in making the Epstein documents publicly available. She credited acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, a former Trump personal lawyer, with overseeing the release process, saying that Blanche had “managed the entire investigation.” The former Attorney General repeatedly deflected from answering questions about Trump’s knowledge of Epstein’s crimes, citing a legal obligation to remain silent on former presidential conversations.

Democratic lawmakers, led by Representative James Comer and Representative Robert Garcia, accused Bondi of stonewalling and shifting responsibility onto Blanche. Garcia demanded that Bondi admit full cooperation with the subpoena that had forced her to testify and that she reveal all documents still held by the DOJ. The committee’s chair argued that the subpoena was needed to secure a full release of the files, noting that the Department had allegedly withheld 2.5 million pages and that the existing redactions had exposed victims’ identities.

Survivors of Epstein’s abuse were present outside the committee room, seeking answers on whether the DOJ would correct redaction errors and whether anyone had been held accountable for revealing victims’ names. Some survivors, such as Marina Lacerda and Liz Stein, criticized Bondi for deflecting questions about the role of the Trump administration and for the Department’s handling of the files. They urged lawmakers to demand accountability and a thorough, independent inquiry.

Bondi’s testimony also addressed the Department’s transfer of Ghislaine Maxwell to a Texas prison camp, which she denied playing a role in. She named FBI Director Kash Patel as the appropriate point of contact for questions surrounding the transfer. The former Attorney General’s comments came as she was being treated for thyroid cancer, a health issue she had recently disclosed.

Although the hearing was not videoed, the committee promises to release a transcript of Bondi’s statements. Critics argue that without a recorded testimony, the hearing may be less transparent. The debate over who should ultimately testify—Bondi or Blanche—continues as part of the larger effort to clarify the Justice Department’s conduct in handling Epstein’s case.