Rep. Massie Criticizes AG Bondi's 'Cold' Conduct at Epstein Hearing

Lawmaker says Bondi 'afraid' to face Epstein survivors, lacked accountability at Justice Department

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) criticized Attorney General Pam Bondi's conduct during a House Judiciary Committee hearing on the Jeffrey Epstein case, saying she was "afraid" to look at Epstein survivors and failed to engage substantively with lawmakers. Massie said Bondi came to the hearing "with a book full of insults" and lacked the accountability needed at the Justice Department.

Why it matters

The hearing was part of ongoing efforts to seek transparency and justice for Epstein's victims, with lawmakers and survivors frustrated by the Justice Department's handling of the case and redactions of key documents. Massie's criticism highlights the political tensions and lack of trust surrounding the Epstein investigation.

The details

During the hearing, Rep. Pramila Jayapal asked Epstein survivors seated behind Bondi to raise their hands if they had not been able to meet with the Justice Department, and all of them did so. However, Bondi declined to turn around and look at the victims, dismissing the moment as "theatrics." Massie called Bondi's decision "cold" and said he believed she was "afraid" to face the survivors.

  • The House Judiciary Committee hearing took place on February 11, 2026.
  • Massie's comments criticizing Bondi's conduct were made on ABC News' 'This Week' on February 15, 2026.

The players

Thomas Massie

A Republican Congressman from Kentucky who has been critical of the Justice Department's handling of the Epstein case.

Pam Bondi

The Attorney General who testified before the House Judiciary Committee on the Epstein case.

Pramila Jayapal

A Democratic Congresswoman from Washington who questioned Bondi during the hearing.

Jena-Lisa Jones

An Epstein survivor who attended the hearing and held up a photo of herself as a younger person.

Merrick Garland

The former Attorney General under President Joe Biden, who Massie said handled his appearances before the committee better than Bondi in terms of optics.

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What they’re saying

“I think that was kind of cold on her part. I think she was afraid to.”

— Thomas Massie, Congressman (ABC News)

“She wasn't confident enough to engage in anything but name-calling in a hearing. So no, I don't have confidence in her. She hasn't got any sort of accountability there at the DOJ.”

— Thomas Massie, Congressman (ABC News)

“These survivors would love to have a meeting.”

— Thomas Massie, Congressman (ABC News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.