Attorney General Pam Bondi lashed out at Representative Thomas Massie on Wednesday after the Kentucky Republican accused her of being caught “red-handed” over edits to an FBI document related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, escalating tensions during a contentious exchange.
Bondi is facing questions from lawmakers over the Justice Department’s handling of records related to Epstein that disclosed sensitive information about victims despite efforts to redact the files.
Massie pressed Bondi on whether the Justice Department could identify who obscured billionaire Les Wexner’s name as a co-conspirator in the document. Bondi responded that the issue was corrected “within 40 minutes.” Massie shot back: “Within 40 minutes of me catching you red-handed.”
Bondi dismissed the accusation and turned her criticism toward Massie, saying, “There was one redaction, and we invited you in. This guy has Trump derangement syndrome. You’re a failed politician.”
Why It Matters
President Donald Trump’s Attorney General has come under repeated scrutiny over her handling of the Epstein files, after previously promising that all documents held by the DOJ would be released, before later appearing to backtrack. Lawmakers passed a bill late last year seeking to force officials to release millions of documents, photos, and other evidence related to the case. Bondi’s remarks reflect a wider pattern in Washington, where officials have disparaged critics—including members of both parties—who challenge the president or Cabinet members.
What To Know
Bondi launched into a tirade against Massie, asking why he had not talked about Epstein for the past four years, referring to President Joe Biden’s term. Some Republicans have questioned why Bondi’s predecessor, Merrick Garland, did not seek to release the Epstein files and pursue accountability.
“I’m glad you ask about Merrick Garland, because this is bigger than Watergate,” Massie said. “This goes over four administrations. You don’t have to go back to Biden. Let’s go back to Obama. Let’s go back to George Bush. This cover-up spans decades, and you are responsible for this portion.”
Bondi has insisted she has complied with the Epstein Transparency Act—which Massie pushed for—and said her department, along with the FBI, released what it could without compromising ongoing investigations or victim privacy.
Bondi repeatedly refused to apologize for exposing survivors’ identities in released documents, accusing Representative Pramila Jayapal of trying to drag her “into the gutter.” She leveled the same charge at Representative Jerry Nadler, who asked about the DOJ’s failure to pursue Epstein’s alleged co-conspirators. When Representative Jamie Raskin intervened, Bondi shouted that he was a “washed-up loser lawyer.”
Democratic California Representative Lou Correa asked survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse to stand and raise their hands if they felt the Department of Justice would support them. None did.
Correa underscored the importance of law enforcement supporting victims and ensuring they are heard as they seek justice. Bondi responded by saying she wanted victims to come forward.
What People Are Saying
California Democratic Representative Ted Lieu said the failures to act spanned multiple administrations, arguing that Bondi now had the authority to change course and pursue accountability.
Representative Pramila Jayapal said she asked Bondi whether she would apologize to survivors for a release that identified victims while shielding perpetrators, and criticized the DOJ’s handling of the documents while calling for all files to be released.
What Happens Next
The House Judiciary Committee hearing was set to continue, with Bondi likely to face more questions over the Epstein files.
