Bondi Testifies on Epstein Files: Transparency and Oversight Clash

Former U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi testified before the House Oversight Committee on Friday regarding the Justice Department's release of the Jeffrey Epstein files. The closed-door, transcribed interview focused on the Trump administration's handling of the case documents, which included nearly 3 million pages of material, including videos and images. Bondi, who served as Attorney General under President Trump, defended the administration's transparency efforts, stating that the release was unprecedented in scope. The committee's investigation follows bipartisan criticism over the handling of the files, particularly the failure to redact the names of Epstein's victims. Bondi's testimony comes after she was ousted from her post in April 2026 and later appointed to a White House panel on artificial intelligence. Democrats have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, citing Bondi's continued ties to Trump and the Justice Department's involvement in her legal representation during the hearing. The committee's Republican chairman, James Comer, has emphasized the need to investigate possible mismanagement of the Epstein investigation. Epstein, a convicted sex offender, died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial. The case has drawn scrutiny from lawmakers and the public, with ongoing questions about the involvement of high-profile associates and the adequacy of the Justice Department's response.