Former Attorney General Pam Bondi testified before the House Oversight Committee on Friday, shifting responsibility for the Epstein files controversy to her former deputy Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel. Bondi claimed she had minimal authority over the document release process, despite previously signing off on major decisions including a July 2025 memo that ended the government's file review.

The closed-door interview marked a dramatic shift from Bondi's earlier combative congressional appearances. She repeatedly declined to answer questions about key details and avoided discussing President Trump's involvement. Current and former Justice Department officials dispute Bondi's characterization, asserting she was informed of every major development and approved significant actions throughout the Epstein investigation.

Bondi's testimony follows intense bipartisan criticism over the Justice Department's handling of the case, which evolved from conspiracy theory speculation into a significant political crisis. Republican Representative Nancy Mace joined Democrats in voting to subpoena Bondi, forcing her to appear despite efforts to avoid sworn deposition through a voluntary interview format.

Survivors of Epstein's abuse gathered outside the hearing, arguing that Blanche poses greater danger than Bondi. The episode reveals deepening fractures within the Republican party over transparency and accountability, potentially undermining the administration's credibility on oversight matters.