Bondi Faces Closed-Door Epstein Files Questioning After Ouster

Public pressure for full disclosure of Jeffrey Epstein records collides with procedural limits on what the Justice Department can release without harming victims or ongoing cases. Former Attorney General Pam Bondi will answer House Oversight Committee questions in a transcribed, closed-door session on May 29 about the department's compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act during her tenure.

The act set a December 19, 2025 deadline for releasing relevant files. The department missed that date and published roughly 3 million pages on January 31, 2026, a figure the department described as the complete set after review by more than 500 attorneys. Critics, including survivors and lawmakers from both parties, have questioned redactions, the omission of certain materials, and earlier public statements by Bondi. In February 2025 she told Fox News a client list was on her desk for review; a July 2025 department memo later stated no such list existed.

Bondi was subpoenaed in March while still in office. After her April removal by President Trump, the committee converted the deposition into the current interview format. The Justice Department said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon and other personnel will attend to clarify department processes. A transcript is expected to be released later. Survivors have called for a videotaped public session, citing loss of context in transcription alone. Bondi has previously defended the release volume and timeline constraints in February 2026 testimony before the House Judiciary Committee.