Dem Rep Balint Suggests DOJ Tracked Epstein File Searches

Balint claims DOJ monitored lawmakers' access to Epstein files, alleges it was used against her

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Democratic Vermont Rep. Becca Balint suggested that the Department of Justice tracked her activity in the Jeffrey Epstein files and attempted to use it against her. Balint said she was surprised when Attorney General Pam Bondi referenced her prior vote against legislation adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of antisemitism during a tense House Judiciary Committee hearing. Balint believes the DOJ was monitoring lawmakers' searches of the Epstein files and may have tried to use that information as "ammunition" against her.

Why it matters

This case raises concerns about government surveillance and the potential misuse of sensitive information, especially when it comes to high-profile investigations like the Epstein case. It also highlights ongoing tensions between lawmakers and the DOJ over transparency and accountability.

The details

Balint said that when lawmakers tried to access the Epstein files, there were only four computers available for 435 members of Congress, and the DOJ was logging their searches. She believes the DOJ knew she had searched the files related to Howard Lutnick, who is of Jewish descent, and may have tried to use that against her. Balint said Bondi appeared more focused on "scoring political points" than answering lawmakers' questions during the hearing.

  • On June 2025, Balint voted 'present' on a measure condemning antisemitism nationwide.
  • On February 18, 2026, Balint suggested the DOJ tracked her activity in the Epstein files and tried to use it against her.

The players

Rep. Becca Balint

A Democratic member of Congress from Vermont who suggested the DOJ monitored lawmakers' searches of the Epstein files.

Attorney General Pam Bondi

The Attorney General who confronted Balint during a House Judiciary Committee hearing about her prior vote on a measure condemning antisemitism.

Howard Lutnick

An individual whose name Balint searched for in the Epstein files, and who is of Jewish descent.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Now that we know that they were actually tracking our searches on the Department of Justice computers, and I want people to understand, when you go to try to search the Epstein files, there are only four computers for 435 members of Congress. They give you a discreet, well, they don't give it to you. They log you in. And even at the time, I thought that was very strange. And it's clear to me that they were keeping track of what we were looking at. They knew I was in the files for Howard Lutnick. And the only conclusion that I can come to is that they were gonna use this as some ammunition against me because Howard Lutnick is also of Jewish descent.”

— Rep. Becca Balint (The Lead with Jake Tapper)

What’s next

The DOJ has not yet responded to Balint's allegations. It remains to be seen if further investigations or hearings will be held to examine the DOJ's monitoring of lawmakers' access to the Epstein files.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the legislative and executive branches over transparency and the potential misuse of sensitive information. It raises serious questions about government surveillance and the need for robust oversight to ensure such powers are not abused for political purposes.