By Micah Jonah
February 12, 2026
United States Attorney General Pam Bondi faced intense questioning from lawmakers on Wednesday over the Justice Department’s handling of documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Bondi appeared before the House Judiciary Committee during an oversight hearing, where both Democratic and Republican lawmakers pressed her on the delayed release and heavy redactions in the Epstein files.
The scrutiny follows the passage of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, signed into law in November, which mandates the Justice Department to publish all documents related to Epstein in a searchable format, with limited redactions to protect victims’ identities. Critics, however, argue that key sections remain heavily blacked out.
During her opening remarks, Bondi described Epstein as a “monster” and apologised to victims present at the hearing. “I am deeply sorry for what any victim has been through,” she said, while defending the department’s handling of the records and citing ongoing investigations.
Several Epstein victims attended the hearing. When asked by Democratic Representative Pramila Jayapal whether they had been given the opportunity to meet with Justice Department officials, the victims indicated they had not.
Democrats accused Bondi of engaging in a cover-up and prioritising loyalty to former President Donald Trump over transparency. Maryland Representative Jamie Raskin alleged that the department had failed to release millions of subpoenaed documents.
Texas Democrat, Jasmine Crockett also criticised Bondi during a heated exchange, while California Representative Ted Lieu questioned her about references to Trump in the Epstein files. Bondi rejected claims of wrongdoing by Trump and denied any attempt to shield him.
Republican Representative, Thomas Massie joined calls for greater transparency, questioning why certain names, including that of businessman Leslie Wexner, had initially been redacted. Bondi said the redaction was corrected shortly after it was identified.
Epstein, a financier with high-level political and business connections, died in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. His associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, is serving a 20-year prison sentence after being convicted of sex trafficking minors.
The Justice Department has said further reviews of the files are ongoing, with additional disclosures expected in line with the new transparency law.
