Ex-US Attorney General Pam Bondi testifies in Epstein files probe

Pam Bondi appeared in a closed-door congressional hearing to defend the Justice Department’s handling of Jeffrey Epstein records. She said the department released nearly three million pages of materials during her tenure, including photographs and video evidence, describing the effort as unprecedented transparency. Bondi stated the process was complex and labor-intensive and that the department produced everything required under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. She argued that any withheld documents were properly vetted and fell into categories such as nonresponsive, privileged, or duplicative. She also acknowledged redaction flaws, including redaction errors, while maintaining commitment to accountability and transparency amid ongoing pressure to release remaining documents.

"Bondi defended the Justice Department's approach, saying it had released nearly three million pages of records during her tenure, including photographs and video evidence. She described those efforts as an unprecedented bid to increase transparency. “This was an enormously complicated and labour-intensive process,” Bondi told the Oversight Committee in the House of Representatives. “To the best of my knowledge, the department produced everything required under the Epstein Files Transparency Act.”"

"Bondi argued that any withheld documents were properly vetted under the law. “The team of professionals who reviewed all of the materials that we collected assured me the only materials that were withheld were either nonresponsive, privileged or duplicative,” she said. She maintained that the Justice Department followed the requirements tied to the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which mandates release of Justice Department material related to Epstein within 30 days."

"Bondi acknowledged flaws in the release of the Epstein files, including among the redactions. “There were redaction errors,” Bondi said. “But since day one of this process, this department has been committed to accountability and transparency.” Victims’ advocates and bipartisan politicians had argued that key documents remained undisclosed or were unlawfully redacted with black ink."

"Pressure to release records about Epstein continued after President Donald Trump took office for a second term. Epstein, a convicted sex offender, died by apparent suicide while in custody in 2019. Critics accused the Trump administration of failing to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a law passed in November mandating the release of all Justice Department material related to Epstein within 30 days."

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