Bundy avoids Epstein’s questions in tense Judiciary Committee hearing

On Capitol Hill, Attorney General Pam Bondi faced a barrage of questions about how she handled the Epstein files and the killing of two US citizens in Minnesota by federal officers. Bundy repeatedly quarreled with legislators, sometimes engaging in shouting matches and leaving many questions unanswered. Conversations unfolded with Epstein survivors sitting directly behind her. Reported by Ali Rogin.

Amna Nawaz:

Today, on Capitol Hill, Attorney General Pam Bondi faced a barrage of questions on a range of issues, from the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files to the fatal shootings of US citizens in Minnesota by federal officers.

Jeff Bennett:

Bondi repeatedly sparred with lawmakers, at times engaging in shouting matches and leaving many questions unanswered, and tense correspondence unfolded with Epstein survivors sitting directly behind her.

Our Ali Rogen has more.

Pam Bondi, US Attorney:

Mr. President…

Ali Rogin:

On Capitol Hill, few answers, many insults.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal (Democrat, Western Australia):

I’m getting my time back.

(crosstalk)

Pam Bondi:

Twice when he sat in my chair. I will continue to answer.

woman:

Mr. President, the lady has taken her time back.

Pam Bondi:

I won’t fall down because of her plays.

Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH):

Do you swear or affirm under penalty of perjury that…

Ali Rogin:

Prosecutor Pam Bondi faced questions about what some lawmakers said were poorly redacted Epstein files that put survivors, many of whom were in the room behind her, at risk.

Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Maryland):

As a prosecutor, you side with the perpetrators and ignore the victims. This will be your legacy unless you act quickly to change course.

Ali Rogin:

Her responses put the blame on the questioners, asking why they didn’t ask her predecessor about Epstein.

Representative Pramila Jayapal:

You apologize to the survivors and your opening statement for what they went through at the hands of Jeffrey Epstein. Will you now turn to them and apologize for what the Department of Justice has done to them through the UN’s completely unacceptable release of the Epstein files and their information?

Pam Bondi:

Mrs. Congress, you’ve sat before — Merrick Garland has sat in this chair twice.

Representative Pramila Jayapal:

Attorney General Bondi…

Pam Bondi:

No. Can I complete my answer?

Representative Pramila Jayapal:

No, I’m taking my time back because I asked you a specific question.

Representative Jim Jordan:

Attorney General, yes or…

woman:

No, no, no.

Ali Rogin:

Lawmakers also questioned the Justice Department’s role in immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota, where two U.S. citizens were killed by federal immigration officers.

Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.):

The truth is that ICE is widespread, and you’re not investigating it. When they killed Mr. Pretty and Mrs. Goode, it was an execution, and she did not investigate it. And I tried to investigate her — Mrs. Judd’s widow, and I tried to investigate Mr. Pretty.

Ali Rogin:

This was Bundy’s first hearing since the release of millions of additional Epstein files. Lawmakers wanted to know whether the Justice Department planned to prosecute anyone and why some names like retail CEO Les Wexner were selectively redacted in incriminating documents, questions asked by many, including Epstein’s victims.

But Bundy has largely remained on the offensive.

Pam Bondi:

You don’t tell me anything!

Representative Jamie Raskin:

Yes. I told you this because we saw what you did in the Senate.

(crosstalk)

Pam Bondi:

…lawyer. Not even a lawyer.

Within 40 minutes, Wexner’s name was added again.

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Kentucky):

Within 40 minutes of being caught red-handed.

Pam Bondi:

Red handed. There was one revision out of more than 4,700.

Representative Thomas Massie:

He was listed as a co-conspirator.

Pam Bondi:

We invite you to enter.

(crosstalk)

Pam Bondi:

This man suffers from Trump Derangement Syndrome. He needs to–You’re a failed politician.

I, Pamela, Bondi, do solemnly swear.

Ali Rogin:

The hearing comes after a year of Bondi’s tumultuous tenure with recurring concerns from lawmakers about the Justice Department’s role in using law enforcement to target political enemies of President Trump.

Bondi passionately defends the president.

Pam Bondi:

I find it interesting that she continues to go after President Trump, the greatest president in American history. If they can maintain their composure, this is no circus. This is a hearing.

Ali Rogin:

Republicans praised Bondi’s focus on fraud and crime.

Representative Jim Jordan:

What a difference a year makes. Under Attorney General Bondy, the Justice Department has returned to its core missions: upholding the rule of law, prosecuting bad guys, and keeping Americans safe.

Ali Rogin:

Bondi praised President Trump’s nominee for the newly created position of Assistant National Fraud Attorney, who will report directly to the president, not to her.

Pam Bondi:

Cavalry is coming, and we have Colin MacDonald, who will hopefully be confirmed soon. This is out of control, but we’re coming to save you. Donald Trump is coming to the rescue.

Ali Rogin:

Hours later, the hearing ended, offering few answers for the public and lawmakers, especially Epstein’s survivors.

Representative Jim Jordan:

Without objection, the session is adjourned.

Ali Rogin:

On the “PBS News Hour,” I’m Ali Rogin.