Bondi Points Finger At Blanche Over Epstein Files Fiasco Former Attorney General Says Trump Ally Ran Entire ReleaseFormer Attorney General Pam Bondi has pointed the finger at Todd Blanche over the Trump administration's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, telling lawmakers he was responsible for the entire release process. According to newly released testimony given behind closed doors to the House Oversight Committee, Bondi repeatedly distanced herself from decisions surrounding the controversial disclosure of Epstein documents, insisting Blanche was the official in charge. "He was in charge of the process and the entire release of the Epstein files," Bondi told lawmakers. Her remarks come as Blanche prepares for a potentially bruising confirmation battle after being tapped by President Donald Trump to lead the Justice Department. Political Fallout ContinuesThe Epstein files remain one of the most politically damaging issues facing the administration. Congress ordered the release of millions of pages of material linked to the disgraced financier and convicted sex offender, but critics from both parties have accused the Justice Department of withholding documents, over-redacting files and even exposing sensitive information relating to victims. Lawmakers pressed Bondi over why millions of additional records have yet to be released. She insisted the department was not hiding evidence and claimed the remaining material largely consists of duplicates or legally protected information. "To my knowledge, they've all been released," she said. Pressure Mounts On BlancheBondi's testimony places Blanche at the centre of two major controversies that have dogged Trump's second term. Alongside the Epstein files dispute, Blanche has also faced criticism over a proposed $1.8 billion compensation fund for alleged victims of government "weaponisation" and a separate settlement that shielded Trump, his family and businesses from certain IRS investigations. Democrats have already signalled they want Blanche to explain his role in the Epstein files controversy under oath. His nomination is expected to face intense scrutiny when confirmation hearings begin. Bondi Defends 'Client List' CommentBondi also attempted to clarify one of the most controversial remarks of her tenure. In a television interview during 2025, she claimed Epstein's alleged client list was "sitting on my desk right now to review", fuelling widespread speculation that explosive new revelations were imminent. Months later, the Justice Department acknowledged there was no such client list. During her testimony, Bondi argued she had been referring to the wider Epstein case file rather than a specific document. "If you listen to the entire interview, I was referring to the file," she said. Maxwell Transfer Raises QuestionsLawmakers also questioned Bondi about the controversial transfer of convicted Epstein accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell to a minimum-security prison camp in Texas. Bondi denied any involvement. "I had nothing to do with that," she told the committee, saying she only learned of the move through media reports. She further described Maxwell as "a monster" and said she believed she should spend the rest of her life behind bars. Prison Guard Rejects Conspiracy ClaimsThe committee also released testimony from former prison guard Tova Noel, who was on duty the night Epstein died in a New York jail in 2019. Noel firmly rejected conspiracy theories suggesting Epstein was murdered. "I didn't conspire to cause Mr Epstein's death," she told lawmakers. She said she believes Epstein took his own life because he was alone in his cell when he died. Fresh Questions For Trump's NomineeBondi's testimony is likely to intensify scrutiny of Blanche just as he seeks Senate confirmation. By placing responsibility for the Epstein files operation squarely on his shoulders, she has ensured lawmakers will demand answers about document releases, redactions, victim privacy breaches and lingering questions over what records remain hidden from public view. SOURCE
