Bondi defends DOJ's handling of Epstein files to members of Congress

Bondi provided a transcribed interview on Capitol Hill regarding DOJ compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which required release of federal materials related to the Epstein case. Oversight delegated oversight of the release process to Todd Blanche, now acting attorney general. The House Oversight Committee subpoenaed Bondi for testimony after a vote in March, a rare step against a sitting Cabinet member from the majority party. After Bondi was fired, the committee downgraded the appearance from a formal deposition to a transcribed interview, avoiding sworn testimony and video recording. Bondi previously declined to engage with Epstein victims during a February hearing. Victims returned to press for witnesses to be sworn and videotaped for transparency.

"Bondi is on Capitol Hill for a transcribed interview with the House Oversight Committee as part of the panel's ongoing investigation into the late, convicted sex offender. She specifically is being asked to speak about the DOJ's compliance, or lack thereof, with the Epstein Files Transparency Act - legislation passed by Congress in November that compelled the government to release documents and materials in the federal government's possession related to the Epstein case."

"The committee voted to subpoena Bondi for her testimony in March in a surprising move initiated by Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) and backed by four other House Republicans, a stunning rebuke of the administration's handling of the Epstein matter. Rarely, if ever, does the party in the majority subpoena a sitting Cabinet member of their own party."

"After Bondi was fired by President Donald Trump about a month later, Oversight Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) downgraded the terms of her appearance to a transcribed interview rather than a formal deposition - meaning she would not have to answer questions under oath and the proceedings would not be videotaped."

"Bondi last appeared before Congress in February in an oversight hearing before the House Judiciary Committee, during which several of Epstein's victims sat in the audience behind her. Despite entreaties from Democrats to engage with the victims, Bondi declined. She referred back to that February hearing in her opening statement Friday, saying that she was "deeply sorry for what any victim has been through, especially as a result of that monster.""

Read at POLITICO