In her opening statement, the Trump ally addressed Epstein’s victims in the room, classifying the former banker as a “monster” and saying “I regret the abuse they suffered”. The statements occurred on the same day that documents released contained information that, in 2006, Trump declared knowledge of Epstein’s crimes.
The attorney general also defended the process of disclosing the documents, ensuring that the department has sought to protect victims within the legal deadlines imposed.
Criticism from Democrats – and not only
Despite Bondi’s statements, several congressmen accused the Department of Justice of serious failures in the handling of the files. The Democratic congresswoman Pramila Jayapal pointed out problems in hiding sensitive data, stating that, in some cases, nude images of victims whose identities had been protected “for decades” were released.
During the hearing, Jayapal asked victims in the room to stand up if they had not been able to meet with Justice Department officials, prompting everyone to do so. The congresswoman then apologized to Pam Bondi for the way the process was handled.
The attorney general reacted by classifying the intervention as “theatre” and stating: “I will not sink to this woman’s level”. Bondi added that any names “inadvertently” released were “immediately withheld” once identified, ensuring that employees are complying with the law within legal deadlines.
According to the BBCone of the victims present, Marina Lacerdaafrimou that Bondi “didn’t answer any calls or respond to emails” and accused the Justice Department of trying “intimidating” victims and forcing them into silence.
Criticism of the attorney general did not just come from Democrats. Republican Representative Thomas Massie questioned Bondi about who authorized the name hiding in the files and whether anyone would be held accountable. “This is bigger than Watergate”he stated. Bondi responded by classifying the situation as “a political joke”.
During the long hearing, FBI director Kash Patel said there was “no evidence” that Epstein trafficked women for the multi-millionaire businessman. The Wexnerswhose name appeared hidden in documents.
The session ended with new clashes on other fronts, including Democratic criticism of ICE’s federal actions in Minneapolis – which this year has already led to two fatalities in the Minnesota capital. The immigration police intervention encouraged by Donald Trump was defended by Bondi with the support of Republicans, including the commission president himself.
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