Tensions Erupt as Pam Bondi Faces Congress Over Epstein Files

Fri Feb 13 2026 01:16:20 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

During a heated four-hour testimony before the House Judiciary Committee, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi defended her department's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation amidst bipartisan criticism and emotional pleas from victims.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi faced intense scrutiny during a congressional hearing about the Epstein investigation, leading to a clash with lawmakers over the handling and release of sensitive files. Key points include Bondi's defense of her department's actions, bipartisan demands for accountability, and the presence of Epstein's victims during the proceedings.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi defended the justice department's handling of the Epstein files and faced a barrage of angry questions during a fiery congressional hearing on Wednesday. Her testimony before the House Judiciary Committee deteriorated into personal exchanges, including Bondi referring to a Democrat as a washed up loser, and one lawmaker even storming out amidst the heated atmosphere.

The hearing followed the recent release of millions of documents by the justice department concerning convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Several victims were present and their painful experiences were frequently referenced by lawmakers, highlighting the emotional weight of the proceedings.

1. **Epstein Victims Watch as Bondi Defends Redactions**: Bondi called Epstein a monster and apologized to the victims while facing severe criticism over the department's failure to adequately redact victims' names from released files. Representative Pramila Jayapal pointedly questioned how nude images of survivors were included in the documents, leading to an uncomfortable moment when all affected survivors in attendance raised their hands to indicate never having met with the justice department.

2. **Republicans Join in Over Epstein Complaints**: Tensions escalated as a bipartisan group of lawmakers accused the justice department of improperly redacting names. Representative Thomas Massie demanded to know who was responsible for the redactions, claiming it was a more significant issue than Watergate. Bondi dismissed this as political theatrics while standing her ground on the justice department's commitment to compliance.

3. **Lawmaker Questions About Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor**: Representative Ted Lieu mentioned evidence linking Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to Epstein, fueling calls for him to testify. A photo displayed showed the former prince in a compromising position, leading to further discussions about the investigation and the lack of prosecutions.

4. **Democrats Push for Minneapolis Investigation**: As the Epstein files dominated the hearing, Bondi was also pressed about federal immigration agents shooting two people in Minneapolis, which sparked national protests. Representative Steve Cohen described the killings as executions and demanded accountability, asserting the need for a thorough investigation.