Interim Attorney General Denies Epstein Files Connection to Bondi Dismissal
Newly appointed interim Attorney General Todd Blanche has firmly stated that his predecessor, Pam Bondi, was not removed from her position due to her management of the Jeffrey Epstein case. In a significant declaration, Blanche also confirmed that the Department of Justice will not release any additional files pertaining to the disgraced financier.
Blanche Addresses Epstein Investigation on Fox News
During an interview with Fox News host Jesse Watters on Thursday, Blanche was questioned about the handling of the Epstein documents. "First of all, I have never heard President Trump say that the attorney general was – anything that happened to her had anything to do with the Epstein files," Blanche asserted. He emphasized that the Justice Department has already disclosed all relevant files under the transparency act signed by President Trump.
Blanche echoed President Trump's perspective, suggesting it is time for the department to move forward. "So I think to the extent the Epstein files was a part of the past year of this Justice Department, it should not be a part of anything going forward," he remarked, indicating a shift in priorities away from the Epstein saga.
Controversy Over Document Releases and Bondi's Tenure
Pam Bondi became a central figure in the Trump administration's Epstein case response in February 2025 when she initially claimed to have Epstein's client list "sitting on her desk" before retracting that statement. Congress had mandated the release of all Epstein-related documents, but critics argue that the Attorney General's office delayed and may still be withholding information.
President Trump dismissed Bondi on Tuesday, reportedly expressing frustration that she had not prosecuted political adversaries such as New York Attorney General Leticia James and former FBI Director James Comey. The firing occurred as they traveled to the Supreme Court, with Trump denying Bondi's request to remain until summer.
Blanche Defends Trump's Role and Addresses Spy Allegations
Blanche defended President Trump's involvement with Epstein, highlighting that Trump's administration prosecuted Epstein and promoted transparency. "There’s only one president that’s held Mr. Epstein accountable, and that’s Donald J. Trump," Blanche stated, noting Trump's documented friendship with Epstein but absence of any accusations of wrongdoing.
When pressed by Watters on whether Epstein collaborated with foreign intelligence, Blanche responded, "I have no idea if he was a spy. All I know is that we don’t have any evidence in the Epstein files that the FBI collected over 15 years that suggest that." He clarified that neither he nor Bondi were part of the original prosecution team.
Broader Administration Shakeup and Maxwell Interview
Blanche's promotion follows a series of high-profile dismissals within the Trump administration. Approximately one month prior to Bondi's removal, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was fired and replaced by Markwayne Mullin. Additionally, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth terminated U.S. Army Chief of Staff General Randy George, and speculation surrounds Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard potentially facing similar action.
In a related development, Blanche previously interviewed Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's associate convicted of child sex trafficking. During their July meeting, Maxwell denied witnessing any illegal activities involving Trump. Subsequently, she was transferred to a lower-security facility with enhanced privileges.
As interim Attorney General, Blanche's stance signals a definitive end to Epstein document releases, despite ongoing congressional disputes over the completeness of the files. Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have contested the administration's claim that all materials have been disclosed, underscoring the lingering tensions surrounding this high-profile case.
