Former attorney general Pam Bondi has distanced herself from the controversial release of Jeffrey Epstein files, telling US lawmakers that her expected replacement, Todd Blanche, was in charge of the process. Appearing before the House oversight and reform committee, Bondi said she was “not certain of the extent” that Donald Trump knew about Epstein’s crimes before they became public.
In her opening statement, Bondi defended the Department of Justice’s handling of the records under her leadership but sought to separate herself from the release and review of the files. She stated that she did not lead every aspect of the effort, asserting that Blanche, whom Trump has lined up to replace her, oversaw it. If formally nominated, Blanche would require Senate confirmation.
The release of the files has drawn criticism from lawmakers and survivors of Epstein’s abuse, who raised concerns over redactions and the disclosure of sensitive personal information. Bondi acknowledged “there were redaction errors” but added: “Since day one of this process, this department has been committed to accountability and transparency.”
