Pam Bondi’s testimony on DOJ’s handling of Jeffrey Epstein files and Trump’s role
Consensus Summary
Pam Bondi, former US Attorney General, testified before the House Oversight Committee on May 29, 2026, defending the DOJ’s handling of Jeffrey Epstein’s files under her leadership. She repeatedly deferred responsibility to Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, who oversaw the release of 3 million out of 6 million documents, and admitted to ‘redaction errors’ while insisting the process was transparent. Bondi refused to answer questions about Donald Trump’s knowledge of Epstein’s crimes, stating she was ‘not certain of the extent’ of his awareness. Survivors of Epstein’s abuse protested outside the Capitol, criticizing the DOJ’s handling of sensitive materials, including the release of nude photos and personal information. Democrats accused Bondi of evading accountability, while Republicans defended the DOJ’s compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The testimony follows Bondi’s firing by Trump in April 2026 and ongoing scrutiny of the Epstein case, including Ghislaine Maxwell’s 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Pam Bondi testified before the US House Oversight and Reform Committee on May 29, 2026, about the DOJ’s handling of Jeffrey Epstein files.
- Bondi claimed Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche was ‘in charge’ of the ‘entire release’ of the Epstein files and delegated oversight to him.
- Bondi admitted there were ‘redaction errors’ in the Epstein files but insisted the DOJ was committed to ‘accountability and transparency’.
- Bondi refused to answer questions about Donald Trump’s knowledge of Epstein’s crimes, saying she was ‘not certain of the extent’ of his knowledge.
- Bondi was fired by Trump on April 2, 2026, partly due to her handling of the Epstein files.
- Jeffrey Epstein killed himself in a New York City jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial for trafficking and sexually abusing underage girls.
- Survivors of Epstein’s abuse protested outside the Capitol during Bondi’s testimony, holding documents with Trump’s name and criticizing the DOJ’s handling of the files.
- The DOJ released 3 million out of 6 million Epstein-related documents under Bondi’s tenure, according to her testimony.
- Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s associate, is serving a 20-year sentence for sex-trafficking crimes.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Trump posted on Truth Social on May 29, 2026, hinting at terms of a proposed US peace deal with Iran, including demands for Iran to never have a nuclear weapon, open the Strait of Hormuz, and detonate water mines.
- A US judge blocked Trump’s administration from moving forward with a proposed $1.8 billion ‘anti-weaponization fund’ on May 29, 2026.
- At least seven of nine musical acts dropped out of a Trump administration concert series marking the US’s 250th anniversary within 48 hours of the lineup being announced.
- The White House is pushing Congress to approve a $250 bill bearing Donald Trump’s portrait, requiring a change to federal law prohibiting living persons on US currency.
- The DOJ’s inquiry into E. Jean Carroll is focused on a non-profit backed by LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, with potential money-laundering and obstruction allegations.
- New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced he would not march in the Israel Day Parade on May 31, 2026, citing his views on the Israeli government.
- Democratic lawmakers accused Bondi of refusing to answer questions about Trump’s involvement in the Epstein case, with a DOJ lawyer preventing her from responding.
- Survivors were reportedly shoved aside by police officers while protesting outside the committee hearing room.
- Bondi claimed she spoke to one victim’s attorney and referred her to the FBI, but could not recall the attorney’s name.
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- The Guardian states Bondi admitted ‘redaction errors’ in the Epstein files, while ABC emphasizes her refusal to answer questions about Trump’s role as a broader issue of non-transparency.
- ABC reports Bondi was told by a DOJ lawyer not to answer questions about Trump, but the Guardian does not mention this intervention explicitly.
- The Guardian notes Trump’s post about Jill Biden’s interview with CBS, but ABC does not cover this detail in its report on Bondi’s testimony.
Source Articles
Trump’s former attorney general admits to ‘redaction errors’ in Epstein files in closed-door testimony – live
Pam Bondi defended the justice department’s record under her leadership, saying there was ‘unprecedented commitment to transparency’ in handling the Epstein case Sign up for the Breaking News US email Zohran Mamdani, New York City’s mayor, said he won’t be marching in this year’s Israel Day Parade, during a news conference Thursday. “I said on the campaign trail that I wouldn’t be attending, and I’ve made my views on the Israeli government clear,” Mamdani said, adding that ample security measure
Bondi refuses to answer Trump questions in Epstein probe
Several survivors of Epstein's abuse gathered outside the Capitol office where the interview was taking place and made their presence known to Pam Bondi as she entered the room.
Pam Bondi claims Todd Blanche was ‘in charge’ of ‘entire release’ of Epstein files
Blanche, whom Trump plans to nominate to replace ex-attorney general, served as Bondi’s deputy at DoJ Former attorney general Pam Bondi told lawmakers that Todd Blanche, the man Donald Trump has lined up to replace her, was “in charge” of the US Department of Justice’s controversial handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case. Appearing before the House oversight and reform committee, which is investigating the late financier and convicted sex offender, Bondi also said she was “not certain of the exte