US Attorney General Pam Bondi strongly defended the Justice Department’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case during a heated House Judiciary Committee hearing on Wednesday, as lawmakers from both parties challenged her over redactions and other federal actions.
The four-hour session frequently turned confrontational. At one point, Bondi referred to a Democratic lawmaker as a “washed-up loser,” and tensions escalated further when another member left the room following a sharp exchange.
Victims Present as Redactions Questioned
The hearing followed the Justice Department’s release earlier this year of millions of additional documents tied to investigations into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Several of Epstein’s victims attended the session and were seated directly behind Bondi. In her opening remarks, the attorney general described Epstein as a “monster” and expressed sympathy for those who suffered abuse.
However, Democratic lawmakers sharply criticized the department’s management of the document release. They argued that some victims’ names were not properly redacted, as required by law.
Representative Pramila Jayapal claimed that, in certain instances, explicit images of survivors were included in the materials, despite some victims having had their identities protected for decades. She asked survivors in attendance to stand if they had been unable to secure meetings with the Justice Department. All present rose.
Jayapal called on Bondi to apologize for what she described as mishandling of sensitive information. Bondi rejected the criticism, calling the questioning “theatrics” and stating she would not engage in what she characterized as political attacks.
Bondi maintained that officials worked within the timeline set by Congress and said any names released inadvertently were quickly redacted once identified.
Marina Lacerda, an Epstein survivor who attended the hearing, later told the BBC that Bondi had not responded to outreach from victims and accused the department of ignoring their concerns.
Bipartisan Concerns Over Redactions
Tensions also emerged over the opposite issue: the redaction of names that some lawmakers believe should not have been removed.
A bipartisan group with access to unredacted documents has argued that the Justice Department improperly blacked out certain individuals’ names. Following their review, at least one document was reissued with fewer redactions.
Republican Representative Thomas Massie pressed Bondi on who authorized the redactions and whether anyone would be held accountable. He described the matter as surpassing Watergate in scope and spanning multiple administrations.
Bondi dismissed the comparison, calling the controversy politically motivated. As Massie questioned why the name of businessman Les Wexner had initially been withheld, FBI Director Kash Patel stated there was no evidence that Epstein trafficked women to Wexner.
Wexner has previously alleged that Epstein misappropriated millions of dollars while serving as his financial adviser. His legal representative said in a statement that Wexner had cooperated with authorities in 2019 and was not considered a target in the investigation.
Questions Over Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
During the hearing, Democratic Representative Ted Lieu raised questions about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, referencing photographs included in the released files. One image shown during the session depicted him in a compromising pose over a woman, though no details were provided about when or where it was taken.
There is no indication from the image itself of criminal conduct. Andrew has denied wrongdoing and reached a civil settlement in 2022 with Virginia Giuffre, without admitting liability.
Lieu asked why the photographs had not resulted in prosecution. Bondi responded by suggesting that the question should have been directed to her predecessor, former Attorney General Merrick Garland. Lieu replied that Garland had failed to act.
Immigration Enforcement Also Scrutinized
Beyond the Epstein files, Bondi faced questions about federal immigration agents who fatally shot two individuals during confrontations in Minneapolis, incidents that triggered nationwide protests.
Democratic Representative Steve Cohen described the shootings as “executions” and criticized the Justice Department for not launching an investigation.
Bondi defended federal authorities, arguing that both agents and protesters had been influenced by rhetoric from elected officials who, she said, obstruct law enforcement and position themselves in opposition to the federal government.
Republican lawmakers, including Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, voiced support for Bondi, commending her enforcement of President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.
About the author
South Africa court revives Ramaphosa impeachment
South Africa’s Constitutional Court has ruled that Parliament acted unconstitutionally when it blocked efforts in 2022 to begin impeachment proceedings against President Cyril Ramaphosa. The decision could reopen the door to renewed impeachment attempts, placing the president’s political future under renewed pressure. The case stems from a legal challenge brought by opposition parties following the controversial Phala Phala farm incident, where large sums of foreign currency were reportedly stolen from the president’s private residence. In 2020, about $580,000 was allegedly taken from Ramaphosa’s farm in Limpopo province. The money had been concealed inside a sofa, according to reports at the time. The president stated that the funds came from the sale of buffalo and denied any wrongdoing or misconduct. A panel of legal experts later suggested that Ramaphosa may have a case to answer regarding how the money was handled […]
War boosts profits in oil and defence
The ongoing US-Israel conflict involving Iran has not only disrupted global energy flows but also created significant financial gains for several major companies and industries. As the crisis pushes up global prices and increases economic uncertainty, some sectors are recording record profits despite the wider economic strain on households and governments. One of the clearest beneficiaries has been the global oil and gas industry. The conflict, combined with disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz—a key passage for around 20% of the world’s oil and gas trade—has triggered sharp volatility in energy markets. European energy companies in particular have seen strong gains due to their trading operations. BP reported profits of $3.2 billion in the first quarter, more than doubling its previous performance, driven largely by exceptional trading results. Similarly, Shell recorded $6.92 billion in quarterly profits, exceeding market expectations. Another […]
Reform UK dominates local election results
The latest local election results in the United Kingdom highlight a major shift in the country’s political landscape, with support increasingly divided among several parties instead of being dominated by the traditional Labour and Conservative blocs. The biggest winner so far is Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage. The party has secured the largest share of seats declared to date, winning around 30% of the available positions. According to early voting data collected across more than 500 wards, Reform UK recorded an average vote share of 26%, placing it ahead of its political rivals. The party performed especially well in areas that strongly supported Brexit during the 2016 referendum. In districts where more than 60% of voters backed leaving the European Union, Reform UK averaged around 41% of the vote. By comparison, support fell significantly in areas that voted mainly […]
Third Briton linked to hantavirus outbreak
Health authorities are investigating a growing hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius after a third British national was identified as a suspected case. The individual is currently on the remote Atlantic island of Tristan da Cunha, where the ship made a stop in mid-April during its expedition voyage. Two other British passengers have already been confirmed to have contracted the virus. One of them, a 56-year-old expedition guide, remains in stable condition in the Netherlands after being evacuated from the vessel earlier this week. Another British passenger, aged 69, was airlifted to South Africa at the end of April and is still receiving intensive medical treatment, although officials say his condition has improved. So far, five confirmed hantavirus cases have been linked to the outbreak. One of the infected passengers later died, while two additional deaths on […]
New Clash Tests US-Iran Ceasefire
Tensions between the United States and Iran have sharply escalated again despite ongoing claims from both sides that a ceasefire agreement remains in place. The latest confrontation occurred in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic maritime route vital to global oil transport, where both countries accused each other of initiating military attacks. US President Donald Trump stated that the ceasefire with Iran was still active, even after clashes involving American naval destroyers and Iranian forces. According to Washington, Iranian forces launched missiles, drones and small attack boats against three US warships navigating through the strait. American officials described the operation as an “unprovoked attack”. Trump reacted strongly to the incident, saying Iran had “trifled” with the United States and warning that Washington was prepared to respond with greater force if Tehran failed to quickly finalize a peace agreement currently under […]
Le port de Lomé renforce sa modernisation
Le Togo et l’Agence française de développement (AFD) envisagent de renforcer leur coopération dans le secteur maritime et logistique. Cette perspective a été au centre d’une rencontre tenue jeudi entre le directeur Pays de l’AFD, Benjamin Neumann, et le ministre de l’Économie maritime, Edem Kokou Tengué. Les échanges ont principalement porté sur trois domaines jugés prioritaires pour améliorer la compétitivité du Port autonome de Lomé (PAL) et renforcer son positionnement stratégique dans la sous-région ouest-africaine. Le premier axe concerne la poursuite de la modernisation numérique des opérations portuaires. Depuis août 2024, le Port autonome de Lomé dispose déjà d’une plateforme entièrement digitalisée permettant aux opérateurs d’effectuer en ligne les déclarations administratives, les paiements, le suivi des marchandises ainsi que l’accès aux procédures et aux différents tarifs portuaires. L’AFD souhaite accompagner davantage cette dynamique afin d’optimiser la fluidité des opérations et […]
Related
South Africa court revives Ramaphosa impeachment
South Africa’s Constitutional Court has ruled that Parliament acted unconstitutionally when it blocked efforts in 2022 to begin impeachment proceedings against President Cyril Ramaphosa. The decision could reopen the door to renewed impeachment attempts, placing the president’s political future under renewed pressure. The case stems from a legal challenge brought by opposition parties following the controversial Phala Phala farm incident, where large sums of foreign currency were reportedly stolen from the president’s private residence. In 2020, about $580,000 was allegedly taken from Ramaphosa’s farm in Limpopo province. The money had been concealed inside a sofa, according to reports at the time. The president stated that the funds came from the sale of buffalo and denied any wrongdoing or misconduct. A panel of legal experts later suggested that Ramaphosa may have a case to answer regarding how the money was handled […]
War boosts profits in oil and defence
The ongoing US-Israel conflict involving Iran has not only disrupted global energy flows but also created significant financial gains for several major companies and industries. As the crisis pushes up global prices and increases economic uncertainty, some sectors are recording record profits despite the wider economic strain on households and governments. One of the clearest beneficiaries has been the global oil and gas industry. The conflict, combined with disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz—a key passage for around 20% of the world’s oil and gas trade—has triggered sharp volatility in energy markets. European energy companies in particular have seen strong gains due to their trading operations. BP reported profits of $3.2 billion in the first quarter, more than doubling its previous performance, driven largely by exceptional trading results. Similarly, Shell recorded $6.92 billion in quarterly profits, exceeding market expectations. Another […]
Reform UK dominates local election results
The latest local election results in the United Kingdom highlight a major shift in the country’s political landscape, with support increasingly divided among several parties instead of being dominated by the traditional Labour and Conservative blocs. The biggest winner so far is Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage. The party has secured the largest share of seats declared to date, winning around 30% of the available positions. According to early voting data collected across more than 500 wards, Reform UK recorded an average vote share of 26%, placing it ahead of its political rivals. The party performed especially well in areas that strongly supported Brexit during the 2016 referendum. In districts where more than 60% of voters backed leaving the European Union, Reform UK averaged around 41% of the vote. By comparison, support fell significantly in areas that voted mainly […]
Third Briton linked to hantavirus outbreak
Health authorities are investigating a growing hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius after a third British national was identified as a suspected case. The individual is currently on the remote Atlantic island of Tristan da Cunha, where the ship made a stop in mid-April during its expedition voyage. Two other British passengers have already been confirmed to have contracted the virus. One of them, a 56-year-old expedition guide, remains in stable condition in the Netherlands after being evacuated from the vessel earlier this week. Another British passenger, aged 69, was airlifted to South Africa at the end of April and is still receiving intensive medical treatment, although officials say his condition has improved. So far, five confirmed hantavirus cases have been linked to the outbreak. One of the infected passengers later died, while two additional deaths on […]
New Clash Tests US-Iran Ceasefire
Tensions between the United States and Iran have sharply escalated again despite ongoing claims from both sides that a ceasefire agreement remains in place. The latest confrontation occurred in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic maritime route vital to global oil transport, where both countries accused each other of initiating military attacks. US President Donald Trump stated that the ceasefire with Iran was still active, even after clashes involving American naval destroyers and Iranian forces. According to Washington, Iranian forces launched missiles, drones and small attack boats against three US warships navigating through the strait. American officials described the operation as an “unprovoked attack”. Trump reacted strongly to the incident, saying Iran had “trifled” with the United States and warning that Washington was prepared to respond with greater force if Tehran failed to quickly finalize a peace agreement currently under […]
US awaits Iran’s response to latest peace deal offer
The United States is awaiting Iran’s response to its latest peace deal offer aimed at ending the ongoing conflict and easing tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. The proposal, drawn up with the help of regional mediators, is part of renewed diplomatic efforts to halt hostilities and restore vital Gulf shipping lanes. According to US and regional sources, Washington has presented Tehran with a concise framework that builds on an earlier 15 point plan shared with allies. The offer focuses on securing a ceasefire, reopening blocked shipping routes and setting parameters for future talks, while leaving the most sensitive nuclear issues to a later stage. Iranian officials say they have received the latest US response through Pakistan and are currently studying it. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed that Tehran’s counter response will also be transmitted via Pakistani mediators once […]