Pam Bondi Refuses to Apologize to Jeffrey Epstein Victims During Congressional Hearing

Former Attorney-General Pam Bondi, who served under Donald Trump, refused to apologize to Jeffrey Epstein survivors during a tense congressional hearing, sparking criticism from Democratic lawmakers.

Bondi appeared before the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday amid scrutiny over her department’s handling of the Epstein files. Democratic Representative Pramila Jayapal asked any survivors in the room to stand. When all raised their hands, Jayapal requested Bondi apologize for the Justice Department’s mismanagement of sensitive documents.

Bondi declined, saying she would not “get in the gutter for her theatrics,” and instead expressed general sympathy for victims of sexual assault.

The hearing was marked by combative exchanges. Bondi criticized committee members, calling Congressman Jamie Raskin a “washed-up, loser lawyer,” and deflected questioning by highlighting record highs in the stock market and Americans’ retirement savings.

Democrats condemned her stance. Jason Crow said, “Pam Bondi’s place in history is going to be as the attorney-general who is one of the greatest defenders of paedophiles and sexual abusers in American history.”

The hearing also revealed potential surveillance concerns. A photo captured a folder in Bondi’s hands titled, “Jayapal Pramila Search History”, suggesting the DOJ monitored congressional members as they reviewed Epstein documents. Jayapal called this “totally inappropriate and against the separations of powers.”

The Department of Justice has released millions of files related to the Epstein investigation, many heavily redacted. Epstein, who used his wealth and influence to abuse underage girls, died in 2019, but scrutiny over his associates and those who oversaw related investigations continues.