Former Attorney General Pam Bondi Testifies on Epstein Files Handling

Former Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared before the House Oversight Committee on Friday for a closed-door transcribed interview about the Justice Department's handling of Jeffrey Epstein files. Bondi, who left the department in April, defended the release of nearly 3 million pages of material under the Epstein Files Transparency Act.

She said the effort spanned multiple administrations and that only the current administration had released such documents.

In prepared remarks, Bondi said she was proud of the department's record. "I am proud of the Department's record and commitment to transparency under my leadership," she stated. She described the process as "an enormously complicated and labor-intensive process" and said the department produced everything required under the law to the best of her knowledge.

Bondi also addressed redaction errors in the released files and said the department remained committed to accountability.

During the interview, Bondi told lawmakers that Ghislaine Maxwell should "die in prison" and should not receive a presidential pardon, according to Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon. Dhillon said Bondi described Maxwell as "very evil" and stated that females who collaborate with sex offenders are worse because they procure other victims.

Maxwell is serving a 20-year sentence after her 2021 conviction on sex trafficking conspiracy and related charges.

Lawmaker Reactions Committee Chairman Rep.

James Comer said the panel wants every document turned over and will determine whether more material can be released legally. Rep. Robert Garcia, the panel's top Democrat, criticized the decision not to videotape the interview and said Bondi refused to answer questions about President Trump.

The Justice Department said two officials accompanied Bondi as agency counsel to assist with factual questions about the department's processes. Bondi was originally scheduled to appear under subpoena in April but the appearance was canceled after her removal from office.