Bondi clashes with Dems in Epstein files hearing, offers a wide-ranging, shouting defense of Trump

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi clashed heatedly with Democratic lawmakers during a contentious congressional hearing on Thursday focused on the Jeffrey Epstein files. The exchange escalated when Bondi, visibly frustrated, declared, “I am not going to get in the gutter with these people,” as Democratic members pressed her for more detailed answers about the investigation.

The hearing, organized to examine the handling of documents related to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, quickly devolved into partisan confrontation. Democratic representatives repeatedly challenged Bondi on specific aspects of the investigation and the release of documents, while Republicans on the committee defended her testimony and approach.

Tensions reached a boiling point when Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Maryland) questioned Bondi about the timeline of document releases and alleged political motivations behind the investigation. Bondi’s outburst came after what she described as “repeated mischaracterizations” of her statements and the investigation’s purpose.

“These hearings are meant to uncover truth, not create political theater,” Bondi said before her emotional response. “The victims deserve better than to have their suffering turned into partisan talking points.”

The Epstein case has remained a lightning rod for political controversy since the convicted sex offender’s 2019 death in federal custody. Recent document releases have reignited interest in Epstein’s connections to powerful figures across business, politics, and entertainment.

Law enforcement and justice officials have faced ongoing scrutiny over how Epstein was initially allowed to secure a controversial non-prosecution agreement in 2008, despite allegations of trafficking underage girls. That deal, approved when Epstein was under investigation in Florida, has been criticized as unusually lenient and was negotiated by former Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta, who was then the U.S. Attorney for Southern Florida.

Throughout the hearing, Republican committee members emphasized the importance of transparency in the Epstein case while supporting Bondi’s handling of the investigation. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) described the probe as “necessary oversight” and praised Bondi for her “straightforward approach to uncovering the facts.”

Democratic members, however, questioned the timing and motivations behind the current investigation, suggesting it was being used for political purposes rather than seeking justice for victims. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-New York) specifically challenged Bondi on whether the investigation was targeting certain political figures while ignoring others with connections to Epstein.

“The victims of Jeffrey Epstein deserve a complete accounting of everyone involved, regardless of political affiliation,” Ocasio-Cortez said during her questioning.

Legal experts observing the hearing noted that the partisan divide has complicated efforts to fully investigate the Epstein network. Former federal prosecutor Elizabeth Carpenter, who has followed the case closely but is not involved, told reporters, “When investigations become this politically charged, it becomes increasingly difficult to separate fact-finding from political positioning.”

The hearing comes amid renewed calls from victims’ advocates for a comprehensive, independent investigation into how Epstein operated his trafficking network for decades with minimal consequences. Several victims have expressed frustration that the political battling has overshadowed their experiences and the need for accountability.

As the hearing concluded, committee chairman Rep. James Comer (R-Kentucky) indicated additional hearings might be necessary, while promising to “continue pursuing documents and testimony that will bring clarity to this disturbing case.”

Attorney General Bondi, who appeared composed by the end of her testimony despite the earlier outburst, committed to providing additional written responses to questions that remained unanswered during the session.

The Epstein case continues to reverberate through American politics and the justice system nearly five years after his death, highlighting ongoing questions about privilege, accountability, and the handling of sexual abuse allegations involving powerful figures.