Attorney General Pam Bondi is facing growing Republican criticism over her handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, with some lawmakers calling for her removal. Her February testimony before the House Judiciary Committee, where she delivered what critics called a bombastic defense while refusing to make eye contact with Epstein victims, has deepened distrust among both parties.

Bondi's allies blame House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan for not defending her during the hearing, while others point to her February 2025 Fox News appearance promising 'breaking news' on Epstein that turned into a political embarrassment. When she handed out half-filled binders labeled 'Epstein Files: Phase 1' at a White House event with far-right influencers, the documents contained virtually no new information, prompting accusations of a cover-up.

Five House Oversight Republicans joined Democrats in March to subpoena Bondi for closed-door testimony about the Epstein case, though Speaker Mike Johnson and others have since softened their stance. While Trump has praised her loyalty publicly and speaks with her several times weekly, he has privately complained about her communication skills and the department's aggressiveness. Current and former officials warn that Bondi's greatest vulnerability is becoming expendable to Trump, who previously removed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to quell Republican criticism.