Deputy Attorney General Releases Epstein Files

Former Attorney General Pam Bondi told a House oversight committee that her former deputy was in charge of the Department of Justice release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein. Bondi said the deputy oversaw the handling of the documents, which congressional investigators have described as delayed and incomplete in many cases.

Testimony on presidential knowledge Bondi also stated she was not certain of the extent to which the president knew about Epstein's crimes and those of Ghislaine Maxwell before the information became public. Maxwell is serving a 20-year sentence for sex-trafficking offenses connected to Epstein.

Committee focus The committee is examining the federal government's handling of the Epstein case. Bondi appeared before lawmakers as part of that review. " — Pam Bondi, June 4, 2026 (Guardian) >"I am not certain of the extent" the president knew about the crimes before they became public.

— Pam Bondi, June 4, 2026 (Guardian) A White House spokesperson stated that the president had been "totally exonerated on anything relating to Epstein" when contacted for comment on Bondi's testimony. Bondi defended the justice department's handling of the records under her leadership while stating that she did not "lead every aspect" of the department's effort.

She told lawmakers that the deputy "was in charge of the process and the entire release of the Epstein files" on May 29. Bondi acknowledged "there were redaction errors" in the release but insisted that "since day one of this process, this department has been committed to accountability and transparency".

During a break in questioning, several Democratic lawmakers told reporters that Bondi was attributing leadership of the Epstein investigation and mistakes in the release to the acting attorney general. Bondi later posted on social media that the characterization was "NOT TRUE" and said she had "praised Acting AG Blanche's management of this Herculean task".