Overview
- Lawmakers in both parties condemned the Justice Department’s incomplete Epstein release and flawed redactions after victims and attorneys said private details and nude images were exposed.
- The DOJ acknowledged removing several thousand documents and media from its site once issues were flagged, as members cited cases where names were quickly unredacted after congressional review.
- Images from the hearing showed Attorney General Pam Bondi holding a sheet labeled “Jayapal Pramila Search History,” prompting separation‑of‑powers concerns from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez and a rebuke as “inappropriate” from Speaker Mike Johnson.
- Bondi refused to face or apologize to survivors when pressed, exchanged personal insults with Democrats, and sparred with Republican Thomas Massie, even as she insisted there are pending investigations and defended the department’s process.
- President Donald Trump publicly praised Bondi and said the files cleared him, while figures on the right, including Rep. Nancy Mace and conservative commentators, demanded tougher oversight or urged Bondi to resign.