Former Attorney General Pam Bondi declined to answer questions regarding President Donald Trump's involvement in the release of the Jeffrey Epstein case files during a closed-door interview with House lawmakers on May 29, 2026. Bondi defended the actions of the Trump administration, stating that Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche had overseen the release process as mandated by a law passed by Congress and signed by Trump. In her opening statement, Bondi asserted that justice and transparency had been achieved under Trump's direction.
Democratic lawmakers expressed frustration, noting that Bondi refused to discuss Trump during the interview, citing her voluntary appearance and legal advice. Rep. Dave Min described the situation as unproductive, while Rep. James Walkinshaw reported that Bondi was uncertain about Trump's prior knowledge of Epstein's crimes.
The interview aimed to clarify the Justice Department's decisions regarding Epstein's associates and the handling of the case files. Bondi acknowledged that the release process was complex and admitted to redaction errors, but maintained that the department complied with legal requirements and demonstrated a commitment to transparency.
Outside the Capitol, survivors of Epstein's abuse gathered to express their concerns about the handling of the case files, which included personal information of potential victims. They called for accountability and justice, with Rep. James Comer stating his intention to push for the complete release of the mandated case files. Bondi, who recently disclosed her thyroid cancer treatment, remains connected to Trump, having been appointed to a White House panel on artificial intelligence. Democrats have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest in her continued involvement with the administration.
