The walls are closing in on US Attorney General Pam Bondi after a bipartisan group of senators demanded an investigation into how the Justice Department handled the release of files tied to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. Lawmakers from both parties are now asking the federal watchdog to examine whether the department failed to comply with transparency laws — and whether crucial information about powerful figures has been shielded. Bipartisan senators trigger watchdog request Four senators — Dick Durbin, Ben Ray Luján, Jeff Merkley and Lisa Murkowski — have formally asked the Government Accountability Office to investigate the Department of Justice. In a sharply worded letter, the group accused the DOJ of bungling the partial release of Epstein-related records required under the Epstein Transparency Act. The lawmakers said the department missed a December deadline to publish all documents and raised serious concerns about what information was withheld. Victims exposed, powerful figures hidden The senators’ letter claims the document release may have protected elites while exposing victims. According to the complaint, files published by the DOJ included identifying details such as email addresses and explicit images that could reveal victims’ identities. Meanwhile, references to wealthy business leaders and political figures allegedly connected to the case appeared heavily redacted. Lawmakers warned the approach may have violated Congress’s directive to protect survivors. Congress tightens the screws The controversy has already reached Capitol Hill. Earlier this month the House Oversight Committee voted to subpoena Bondi, demanding answers about why the files were not released in full as required by law. The move followed combative testimony from Bondi during a tense congressional hearing that left lawmakers from both parties dissatisfied. Political fallout inside Trump’s orbit The dispute is now rippling through the administration of Donald Trump, who previously had social ties to Epstein. Republican frustration has reportedly grown in recent weeks, particularly after Trump abruptly removed Kristi Noem from her post as Homeland Security secretary following a bruising congressional hearing. With investigators now circling and Congress escalating demands, Bondi’s handling of the Epstein files could become one of the most politically explosive scandals facing the administration. Walls closing in on Bondi over Epstein files release: report
