Pam Bondi claims Todd Blanche was ‘in charge’ of ‘entire release’ of Epstein files

Former Attorney General Pam Bondi has testified that Todd Blanche, the man Donald Trump intends to nominate as his permanent Attorney General, was responsible for the U.S. Department of Justice's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files.

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He was in charge of the process and the entire release of the Epstein files.

Bondi appeared before the House oversight and reform committee, which is investigating the late financier and convicted sex offender. She stated that Blanche, who served as her deputy at the Justice Department, was "in charge" of the "entire release of the Epstein files." This testimony came as the department faces ongoing scrutiny over its compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which mandated the release of related records.

While the department maintains it acted lawfully, several lawmakers and survivors of Epstein's abuse have criticized its actions, citing concerns over redactions and the disclosure of sensitive information. Bondi, while defending the department's record under her leadership, sought to distance herself from the release and review of the files. She told the panel she delegated oversight to Blanche, her former deputy, who is now the acting attorney general.

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there were redaction errors

"He was in charge of the process and the entire release of the Epstein files," Bondi said on May 29. She also stated she did not conduct the document review herself. "There were redaction errors," Bondi acknowledged, but insisted the department was "committed to accountability and transparency." Democratic lawmakers, however, suggested Bondi was blaming Blanche for mistakes, including redactions and failure to protect survivors.

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since day one of this process, this department has been committed to accountability and transparency