Bondi Defends DOJ Handling of Epstein Files in Fiery Hearing

Lawmakers accuse Bondi's department of improper redactions as Epstein victims watch on

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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US Attorney General Pam Bondi faced a barrage of angry questions from lawmakers over the Justice Department's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files during a fiery congressional hearing. Bondi defended the department's actions, clashing with Democrats over issues like improper redactions that revealed victims' identities. The hearing also touched on other controversies, including the fatal police shootings in Minneapolis and Bondi's implementation of the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.

Why it matters

The hearing highlighted ongoing tensions between the Justice Department and lawmakers over the Epstein case, which has drawn intense scrutiny for years. The release of more Epstein files has reignited concerns about how victims were treated and whether all relevant individuals were held accountable. The hearing also reflected the broader political divisions in the country, with Bondi's defense of the administration's actions angering Democrats.

The details

Bondi faced criticism from both parties over the Justice Department's handling of the Epstein files, with lawmakers accusing officials of improperly redacting names of people not protected by law. Several Epstein victims were present at the hearing, and Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal asked them to stand and raise their hands if they had not been able to meet with the Justice Department, leading all of them to rise. Bondi fired back, describing Jayapal's questioning as "theatrics." Republican Rep. Thomas Massie also pressed Bondi on the redactions, calling the issue "bigger than Watergate." The hearing also touched on the fatal police shootings in Minneapolis and Bondi's implementation of the Trump administration's immigration policies, further inflaming partisan tensions.

  • The hearing took place on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

The players

Pam Bondi

The US Attorney General who defended the Justice Department's handling of the Epstein files during the congressional hearing.

Pramila Jayapal

A Democratic Representative who criticized the Justice Department's failure to properly redact victims' names in the Epstein files.

Thomas Massie

A Republican Representative who accused the Justice Department of improperly redacting names from the Epstein files, calling the issue "bigger than Watergate."

Les Wexner

A billionaire whose name was initially redacted from the Epstein files, but was later unredacted after lawmakers accused the Justice Department of improper redactions.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

The former prince who is facing growing pressure to testify in the US regarding his connection to Jeffrey Epstein.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not going to get in the gutter with this woman.”

— Pam Bondi, US Attorney General (Yahoo News)

“This is a political joke.”

— Pam Bondi, US Attorney General (Yahoo News)

“The Assistant US Attorney told Mr Wexner's legal counsel in 2019 that Mr Wexner was being viewed as source of information about Epstein and was not a target in any respect.”

— Legal representative for Les Wexner (BBC)

What’s next

The judge overseeing the Epstein case is expected to rule on whether to unseal additional files related to the investigation.

The takeaway

The heated congressional hearing highlighted the ongoing political tensions and controversies surrounding the Justice Department's handling of the Epstein case, with lawmakers from both parties accusing officials of mishandling the release of sensitive files and failing to hold all relevant individuals accountable.