Pam Bondi, the former US attorney general, was subjected to a fierce interrogation on Capitol Hill today as lawmakers pressed her over the handling of files related to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. The hearing, which stretched for hours, saw Bondi defend her department's actions amid accusations of obstruction and delay.
Bondi, who served under the Trump administration, faced a barrage of questions from both sides of the aisle. Democrats accused her of slow-walking the release of documents, while Republicans sought to defend her record. The hearing was marked by sharp exchanges, with Bondi at one point snapping back at a committee member: 'I have nothing to hide. We followed the law to the letter.'
The controversy centres on a trove of documents and evidence gathered during the federal investigation into Epstein, who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Critics argue that the Department of Justice under Bondi deliberately stalled the release of files to protect powerful figures implicated in the case. Bondi countered that the delay was necessary to avoid compromising ongoing inquiries and to respect the privacy of victims.
'This is not about protecting anyone. It is about doing this right,' Bondi insisted, her voice rising above the din. 'I will not be bullied into releasing material that could jeopardise prosecutions or cause further harm.'
The hearing comes amid renewed public interest in the Epstein case, following a series of court document unsealings and new allegations. Several Epstein associates, including former President Bill Clinton and Prince Andrew, have been named in lawsuits, though both deny any wrongdoing.
For families of the victims, the day's proceedings offered little comfort. Speaking outside the hearing room, Maria Farmer, one of Epstein's accusers, said: 'We have waited years for accountability. This feels like another stalling tactic to me.'
The committee has vowed to continue its investigation, with chairman Senator Richard Blumenthal stating: 'The American people deserve the truth, and we will get it, no matter how long it takes.'
As the hearing adjourned, Bondi left without answering further questions. Her office later issued a statement reiterating her commitment to transparency within legal bounds. The episode underscores the lingering shadow of the Epstein scandal and the political divisions it continues to expose.
For now, the question of what remains hidden in those files is unlikely to fade away. The committee has scheduled follow-up sessions for next month, ensuring the issue remains firmly in the spotlight.
