Newsmax Host Slams Trump DOJ Over Epstein Redactions

Calls for 'somebody to go to jail' over lack of transparency in Epstein files

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Newsmax host Carl Higbie lambasted the Trump administration's Department of Justice over its extensive redactions in files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, calling it either a 'cover-up or incompetence' and demanding that 'somebody go to jail' over the lack of transparency. Higbie placed blame on former Attorney General Bill Barr as well as the Bush, Obama and Biden administrations for failing to fully release the DOJ's Epstein files.

Why it matters

The Epstein case has been shrouded in secrecy and unanswered questions, with many calling for greater accountability from law enforcement and government officials who may have been complicit or negligent. Higbie's strong rebuke of the DOJ's handling of the Epstein files reflects the ongoing public frustration over the lack of transparency and justice in this high-profile case.

The details

During a House Judiciary Committee hearing, Republican Rep. Thomas Massie revealed that hundreds of pages of FBI interviews related to Epstein were fully redacted. Current Attorney General Pam Bondi, who was appointed by Trump, refused to answer questions from Democratic lawmakers about whether any of Epstein's co-conspirators were under investigation. Bondi also engaged in partisan attacks, citing crimes in Democratic districts and boasting about the stock market performance.

  • The House Judiciary Committee hearing took place on February 13, 2026.

The players

Carl Higbie

A Newsmax host who lambasted the Trump administration's Department of Justice over its handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files.

Bill Barr

Trump's first-term former Attorney General, who Higbie blamed for the DOJ's failures in the Epstein case.

Pam Bondi

The current Attorney General who testified before the House Judiciary Committee and faced criticism from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers over the DOJ's lack of transparency.

Thomas Massie

A Republican Congressman who revealed that hundreds of pages of FBI interviews related to Epstein were fully redacted.

Jerry Nadler

A Democratic Congressman who asked Bondi if any of Epstein's co-conspirators were under investigation, a question Bondi refused to answer.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This is either a cover-up or it's incompetence, and I want somebody to go to jail for it. At a minimum, anybody involved with screwing this up should no longer work at the DOJ or have a law license or anything.”

— Carl Higbie, Newsmax Host (kfor.com)

“You want to go there? Are you serious? Talking about antisemitism to a woman who lost her grandfather in the Holocaust.”

— Rebecca Balint, Democratic Congresswoman (kfor.com)

What’s next

The House Judiciary Committee is expected to continue its investigation into the DOJ's handling of the Epstein files, with calls for greater transparency and accountability from the current administration.

The takeaway

The Epstein case has long been plagued by a lack of transparency and unanswered questions, and Higbie's scathing criticism of the Trump DOJ's redactions reflects the ongoing public frustration over the failure to fully investigate Epstein's alleged co-conspirators and deliver justice for his victims.