...
By Dan Gooding and Gabe Whisnant
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Attorney General Pam Bondi lashed out at Representative Thomas Massie on Wednesday after the Kentucky Republican accused her of being caught “red-handed” over edits to an FBI document related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, escalating tensions during a contentious exchange.
Bondi is facing questions from lawmakers over the Justice Department’s handling of records related to Epstein that disclosed sensitive information about victims despite efforts to redact the files.
Massie pressed Bondi on whether the Justice Department could identify who obscured billionaire Les Wexner’s name as a co-conspirator in the document. Bondi responded that the issue was corrected “within 40 minutes.” Massie shot back: “Within 40 minutes of me catching you red-handed.”
Read More on News
Bondi dismissed the accusation and turned her criticism toward Massie, saying, “There was one redaction, and we invited you in. This guy has Trump derangement syndrome. You’re a failed politician.”
Why It Matters
President Donald Trump's Attorney General has come under repeated scrutiny over her handling of the Epstein files, having promised that all documents held by the DOJ would be released a year ago, before seeming to backtrack in the summer. Lawmakers then passed a bill late last year, which sought to force officials to release millions of documents, photos, and other evidence related to the case. Bondi's language reflects a wider pattern from the White House, where officials have sought to disparage Democrats and Republicans alike who have spoken against the president or Cabinet members' actions.
...
What To Know
Bondi launched into a tirade against Massie, asking him why he had not talked about Epstein for the past four years, referring to President Joe Biden's term. Some within the GOP have questioned why Bondi's predecessor, Merrick Garland, did not seek to release the Epstein files and hold people to account.
"I'm glad you ask about Merrick Garland, because this is bigger than Watergate," Massie said. "This goes over four administrations. You don't have to go back to Biden. Let's go back to Obama. Let's go back to George Bush. This cover-up spans decades, and you are responsible for this portion."
Bondi has insisted that she has complied with the Epstein Transparency Act, which Massie pushed for, and that her department, along with the FBI, had released the files it could without compromising ongoing investigations or victim privacy.
Bondi repeatedly refused to apologize for exposing survivors’ identities in released documents, accusing Representative Pramila Jayapal of trying to drag her “into the gutter.” She leveled the same charge at Representative Jerry Nadler, who asked about the DOJ’s failure to pursue Epstein's co‑conspirators. When Representative Jamie Raskin intervened, Bondi shouted that he was a “washed-up loser lawyer.”
Democratic California Representative Lou Correa asked a handful of survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse to stand and raise their hands if they felt that the Department of Justice would support them. None did.
Correa underscored the importance of law enforcement supporting victims and making sure they are heard as they seek justice. Bondi responded to Correa’s point by saying she wanted victims to come forward.
What People Are Saying
California Democratic Representative Ted Lieu, speaking on the previous administration's actions Wednesday: "I called for people to look at the Epstein class, Merrick Garland dropped the ball as did AG Barr and the whole string of failures—you are in charge, you have the power to change things and hold these met accountable and you're doing the opposite in your protecting them."
Washington Democratic Representative Pramila Jayapal, on X Wednesday: "Today, I asked AG Pam Bondi if she would apologize to the survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse for the incredibly botched release — which identified victims while shielding perpetrators. She refused. This DOJ has mishandled the release of the files from the beginning — and it reeks of a cover-up. It is time to release all the files NOW."
What Happens Next
The House Judiciary Committee hearing was set to continue, with Bondi likely to face more questions over the Epstein files.
This article contains reporting by The Associated Press.
Update 2/11/26, 1:22 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
In a polarized era, the center is dismissed as bland. At Newsweek, ours is different: The Courageous Center—it's not "both sides," it's sharp, challenging and alive with ideas. We follow facts, not factions. If that sounds like the kind of journalism you want to see thrive, we need you.
When you become a Newsweek Member, you support a mission to keep the center strong and vibrant. Members enjoy: Ad-free browsing, exclusive content and editor conversations. Help keep the center courageous. Join today.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines