US Attorney General Faces Backlash Over Epstein Files
World
Documents related to Jeffrey Epstein’s case have sparked intense debate in Congress, as many victims’ names were easily identifiable and some photos remained unredacted. Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared before the House Special Committee and faced sharp criticism from lawmakers of both parties.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi presented her report on the Jeffrey Epstein investigation to the House Special Committee. The hearing lasted over five hours and featured heated debates. The main criticism was that the publication of the files exposed victims’ names and unredacted photos.
Bondi expressed “deep regret” for the victims’ experiences but refused to apologize to them directly. Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal and other lawmakers emphasized that the release of materials inflicted additional harm on survivors.
In July 2025, the Department of Justice stated that no “client list” of Epstein exists, contradicting Bondi’s earlier statements. This led to criticism from both conservatives and Democrats and prompted Congress to pass a transparency law in December.
The hearing also discussed ongoing investigations related to Epstein. Bondi noted that the department continues to investigate but declined to provide details. She also engaged in exchanges with lawmakers, calling some “loser lawyers” and accusing others of bias.
Bondi has served as Attorney General since February 2025. During her first year, the department dismissed prosecutors and FBI staff involved in cases linked to former President Donald Trump and halted some cases against his allies.
Jeffrey Epstein was convicted for involving minors in prostitution and died by suicide in 2019. His associate Ghislaine Maxwell is serving a 20-year sentence. In January 2026, the DOJ released three million pages of case materials, with roughly the same amount still withheld.
Bondi expressed “deep regret” for the victims’ experiences but refused to apologize to them directly. Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal and other lawmakers emphasized that the release of materials inflicted additional harm on survivors.
In July 2025, the Department of Justice stated that no “client list” of Epstein exists, contradicting Bondi’s earlier statements. This led to criticism from both conservatives and Democrats and prompted Congress to pass a transparency law in December.
The hearing also discussed ongoing investigations related to Epstein. Bondi noted that the department continues to investigate but declined to provide details. She also engaged in exchanges with lawmakers, calling some “loser lawyers” and accusing others of bias.
Bondi has served as Attorney General since February 2025. During her first year, the department dismissed prosecutors and FBI staff involved in cases linked to former President Donald Trump and halted some cases against his allies.
Jeffrey Epstein was convicted for involving minors in prostitution and died by suicide in 2019. His associate Ghislaine Maxwell is serving a 20-year sentence. In January 2026, the DOJ released three million pages of case materials, with roughly the same amount still withheld.
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