Bondi Testifies Behind Closed Doors in Epstein Files Inquiry
Pam Bondi appears before congressional panel investigating mismanagement and compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, following her removal from office in April.
Former US Attorney General Pam Bondi has testified behind closed doors before the House Oversight Committee, marking the latest development in the congressional probe into the handling of Jeffrey Epstein files. Bondi, who was removed from her position as America’s top law enforcement officer by President Donald Trump in April, appeared before the panel to address allegations of mismanagement and the Department of Justice’s compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
The summons, formally issued in March, precedes Bondi’s ouster by weeks. Republican Chairman James Comer stated that the committee was investigating "possible mismanagement" regarding the investigation and the department’s adherence to the legislation signed into law by President Trump, which mandated the public release of unclassified records. The hearing follows intense bipartisan pressure on the Justice Department to release documents and criticism over its failure to redact the names of Epstein’s victims.
Tensions surrounding the file releases were heightened earlier this year when Bondi claimed in a February interview that a list of Epstein’s high-profile clients was on her desk. The Justice Department later clarified that this referred to the overall case file rather than a specific roster of clients. The controversy was further compounded by accusations from Republican lawmaker Nancy Mace, who alleged a cover-up and introduced a motion to subpoena Bondi, the former attorney general of Florida.
Bondi’s tenure was also marked by scrutiny from Democrats, who accused her of weaponising the Justice Department to investigate political adversaries. She was replaced on an interim basis by President Trump’s personal lawyer, Todd Blanche. While the closed-door nature of the testimony means transcripts or video may not be immediately available, the proceedings highlight ongoing institutional friction over transparency and governance within the department.
In a separate development regarding her post-departmental future, it was revealed that Bondi has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer and is undergoing treatment, including recent surgery. Despite her health challenges, she is set to join the Presidential Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, marking her first role beyond the Justice Department. Bondi had previously indicated excitement about entering the private sector upon her departure in April.
