Pam Bondi Defends Epstein Document Release Amid Editorial Error Criticism
Former US Attorney General Pam Bondi defended the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) handling of the release of documents related to sex trafficking perpetrator Jeffrey Epstein on Friday, 29 May 2026. However, she acknowledged editorial errors in the documents that drew criticism for allegedly protecting key figures while exposing victims’ identities.
Bondi provided testimony before the US House Oversight Committee via a written interview, rather than a recorded sworn deposition. This has sparked frustration among Democratic politicians and survivors, who accuse the Trump administration of deliberately withholding the full record of the late financier’s sex trafficking case.
Transparency Commitment Questioned
In written statements obtained by US media, Bondi claimed the DOJ had made an unprecedented transparency commitment under her leadership, producing nearly three million pages of material, including videos and images.
‘As far as I am aware, the department has released everything required under the Epstein Files Transparency Act,’ Bondi stated.
However, she did not deny flaws in the release process. ‘There were editorial errors,’ Bondi said, referring to the redaction of personal or legally sensitive information. ‘But from day one, the department has been committed to accountability and transparency.’
Allegations of Cover-up
Bondi’s comments come amid accusations from Democrats, Epstein survivors, and some Republican politicians that the Trump administration is concealing the full case record, despite the DOJ insisting it has released all legally required documents.
Bondi became central to the saga after last year claiming Epstein’s client list was on her desk for review. However, the DOJ and FBI later stated the list did not exist and had no plans to release further information.
In her testimony, Bondi admitted she did not personally oversee every aspect of the review, delegating supervision to Todd Blanche, then Deputy Attorney General and now Acting Attorney General.
Survivors’ Criticism
Critics argue the DOJ failed on two fronts: releasing names and photos of previously unidentified victims (doxxing), while withholding other information that lawmakers believe should be disclosed.
Bondi expressed sympathy for victims, calling them victims of a ‘monster.’ However, survivors gathered outside the hearing room demanded that witnesses in the Epstein investigation testify under oath and on camera.
The controversy continues to shadow Trump’s second term. Trump fired Bondi in April over frustration with the Epstein documents handling, though she was later reappointed to the presidential science and technology council.
Democratic Congressman Robert Garcia accused the government of continuing efforts to cover up facts to protect Trump. Trump is known to have socialised extensively with Epstein years ago before their fallout in the mid-2000s.
‘DoJ is currently blocking questions about President Trump regarding what happened in the document release and why so much victim information has leaked to the public,’ Garcia told reporters.