By Amanda Castro and Hannah Parry
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Attorney General Pam Bondi will testify before the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday in a closely watched hearing. Lawmakers are expected to press her on the Justice Department’s handling of Jeffrey Epstein files, investigations into President Trump’s political opponents, and the fallout from fatal shootings in Minnesota involving immigration enforcement officers.
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What to Know:
- Bondi’s testimony follows DOJ’s failed attempt to indict Democratic lawmakers over a video urging service members not to follow illegal orders.
- Lawmakers are likely to raise questions about Epstein files, Trump investigations, and Minnesota shootings.
- Bondi has previously deflected tough questions with sharp one‑liners, but former DOJ communications director Xochitl Hinojosa says that approach may not work today.
- The hearing comes amid heightened scrutiny of DOJ oversight and political tensions in Washington.
Live blog is closed.
Feb 11, 2026 at 03:30 PM EST
Nancy Mace slams DOJ over Epstein case handling
Rep. Nancy Mace, R‑S.C., criticized the Justice Department on Wednesday for failing to pursue Jeffrey Epstein’s alleged co‑conspirators more aggressively. Speaking to CNN, she said, “I personally have lost all faith in our Justice Department. It’s a system of injustice,” adding that thousands of victims could not have existed without accomplices.
Mace said she planned to review the unredacted Epstein files again, calling the DOJ’s system for lawmakers “insulting” and claiming some documents were difficult to locate. She argued there has been “no effort” to prosecute predators tied to Epstein and stressed the importance of releasing the list of potential co‑conspirators.
Asked about Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s admission that he had lunch with Epstein on his island after the financier’s 2008 conviction, Mace said she was troubled by anyone associating with “a convicted pedophile.” She added that Epstein preyed on vulnerable underage girls, regardless of political affiliation, and condemned those who chose to spend time with him.
Feb 11, 2026 at 03:26 PM EST
Hearing has ended
After five and a half hours, the hearing has come to an end.
Feb 11, 2026 at 03:17 PM EST
Goldman, Bondi spar over unredacted Epstein emails
Rep. Dan Goldman, D‑N.Y., pressed Attorney General Pam Bondi during Wednesday’s Judiciary Committee hearing to commit to releasing an unredacted Epstein email, arguing the public should see the extent of Donald Trump’s ties to the disgraced financier.
Bondi shot back by mocking Goldman’s past role in Trump’s first impeachment, asking if he had “apologized” for it. When Goldman repeated his demand, Bondi responded, “Privileged. Privileged,” before telling him not to yell.
The exchange grew heated, with Goldman insisting on transparency and Bondi refusing to commit. She eventually said the Justice Department would review the emails and release them if they are not deemed privileged.
Feb 11, 2026 at 03:05 PM EST
Bondi says DOJ has ‘pending investigations’ in Epstein case
Attorney General Pam Bondi told lawmakers Wednesday that the Justice Department has “pending investigations” tied to the Jeffrey Epstein case but declined to specify who or what was being examined.
Her comments came after Representative Roy asked whether anyone else would face prosecution. Bondi offered no details, a response that followed months of political pressure over the DOJ’s handling of Epstein‑related files.
In November, President Donald Trump urged Bondi, the DOJ and FBI to investigate Epstein’s ties to Bill Clinton, Larry Summers and Reid Hoffman. None of the three Democrats have been accused of wrongdoing, and all have denied any connection to Epstein’s crimes. Bondi later said she had assigned the matter to U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.
The DOJ and FBI previously issued a joint memo in July 2025 stating they had conducted an “exhaustive” review of Epstein’s files and found no evidence to charge additional third parties.
Feb 11, 2026 at 02:55 PM EST
Massie calls Bondi’s hearing responses ‘crazy’
Rep. Thomas Massie, who spearheaded the push to force the Justice Department to release the Epstein files, criticized Attorney General Pam Bondi’s testimony Wednesday, saying her answers “didn’t address anything” and were “kind of crazy.”
“She came here just ready to talk about the Dow Jones and the NASDAQ,” Massie told reporters, adding that Bondi’s attacks on him as a “hypocrite” were unsurprising. “When they don’t have a good argument, they just go to name calling. That’s what her boss does to me, so I just let that roll off.”
Massie said the DOJ must provide evidence tied to names listed as co‑conspirators in the unredacted files. He pressed Bondi on who authorized redactions, specifically regarding billionaire Les Wexner, but said she refused to answer.
He also noted the presence of Epstein survivors at the hearing, calling them “the reason this bill got passed.” Massie added, “I’ll be satisfied when those victims are satisfied… until then, I’m going to work my butt off trying to get the DOJ to comply with this law.”
Feb 11, 2026 at 02:40 PM EST
McBath presses Bondi on DOJ’s handling of Minneapolis shootings
Rep. Lucy McBath praised Attorney General Pam Bondi on Wednesday for how Florida prosecutors under her leadership handled the investigation into her son’s murder, before pressing her on the Trump administration’s treatment of victims of federal shootings in Minneapolis.
McBath recalled that prosecutors shielded her son’s name from disparaging claims made by his killer, saying the compassion her family received “was critical in helping us keep faith in the rule of law and justice.” She contrasted that with administration officials labeling Alex Pretti and Renee Good “domestic terrorists” after their deaths.
She urged Bondi to protect their names as Florida prosecutors had protected her son’s. Bondi largely refrained from interjecting, a departure from her combative exchanges with other Democrats, and said the department was “looking at everything to shed light on what happened that day.”
McBath pushed back, citing slow investigations and the resignation of an investigator from Good’s case under DOJ pressure. “These families have not received the same commitment to investigate what happened to their loved ones, nor have they received the respect that I would expect from the nation’s top law enforcement officer,” she said.
Feb 11, 2026 at 02:32 PM EST
Bondi, Balint clash over anti-Semitism resolution
Attorney General Pam Bondi criticized Rep. Becca Balint on Wednesday for voting against a resolution that condemned the phrase “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” as anti‑Semitic.
Balint quickly fired back, shouting, “Do you want to go there, Attorney General? Are you serious, talking about anti‑Semitism to a woman who lost her grandfather in the Holocaust? Really? Really?”
The Vermont Democrat then left the room, cutting short the exchange.
Feb 11, 2026 at 02:01 PM EST
Bondi declines to denounce Trump administration’s comments on Good, Pretti
Pam Bondi was asked during Wednesday's hearing, if she would denounce the statements made by White House aide Stephen Miller, who called nurse Alex Pretti an "assassin" after he was shot by federal immigration officers.
"Ms. Bondi, will you denounce the statements that were made to tarnish the names of Alex Pretti and Renee Good," Rep. Lucy McBath demanded, sharing her own experience of the murder of her son, Jordan Davis, in 2012 and the impact of how victims are treated has.
'Will you protect their names, like those attorneys back in Florida under your watch protected my son’s name?" she continued.
Bondi declined to publicly denounce Miller and the other administration officials' statements, saying instead that it was an "ongoing investigation."
"What I will say is we are looking at everything to shed light on what happened that day, and it is an ongoing and active investigation. Both of those cases, and I assure you, they will be investigated," she added.
McBath replied, "It is your responsibility to make sure that you are following the rule of law. Those families in Minnesota, they deserve the same respect. They deserve a full investigation, which you have not even [begun] to do yet."
Feb 11, 2026 at 01:40 PM EST
Committee chair told to bring hearing to order after Bondi clash
Democrat Rep. Joe Neguse has urged Chair Jim Jordan to bring the House Judiciary to order after Attorney General Pam Bondi repeatedly clashed with Democrats.
"I think what is happening at the Department of Justice is a disgrace, Mr. Chairman, and I would urge you to gain control of this hearing," Neguse said.
Feb 11, 2026 at 01:19 PM EST
Bondi hearing resumes
The House Judiciary hearing has resumed after a recess for House floor votes.
Feb 11, 2026 at 12:59 PM EST
Bondi touts DOJ efforts to protect conservative protesters
Attorney General Pam Bondi on Wednesday highlighted the Justice Department’s work to safeguard conservative activists, pointing to a “Weaponization Working Group” that is expected to intensify its efforts in the coming months.
“That was one of the main focuses of President Trump and this administration,” Bondi told lawmakers. She pledged protections for parents at school boards, children in schools, and Christians seeking to protest outside abortion clinics. “We will protect everyone who wants to freely protest,” she said.
CNN recently reported that the working group, established by Bondi last year, is now expected to meet daily to produce results. Among its priorities are reviewing claims that the DOJ under former President Joe Biden discriminated against religious adherents and examining a memo designed to shield school board members from threats by parents.
Feb 11, 2026 at 12:49 PM EST
Massie confronts Bondi over redactionsin Epstein Files
Rep. Thomas Massie, R‑Ky., was one of the few Republicans to press Attorney General Pam Bondi on the Justice Department’s handling of the Epstein files during Wednesday’s Judiciary Committee hearing. Massie asked why names were redacted in FBI documents listing potential co‑conspirators, specifically pointing to billionaire Les Wexner.
“Are you able to track who it was that obscured Les Wexner’s name as a co‑conspirator in an FBI document?” Massie asked. Bondi replied that Wexner’s name was restored within 40 minutes after the issue was flagged. “In 40 minutes of me catching you red-handed,” Massie shot back.
Bondi defended the department, saying “there was one redaction.” Massie countered, “He’s listed as a co‑conspirator!” Lawyers for Wexner have previously said federal prosecutors stated he was neither a target nor a co‑conspirator in the investigation.
Massie also noted that even in documents he reviewed without redactions, large white blocks remained in FBI files. After his questioning time expired, Bondi dismissed him, saying, “This guy has Trump derangement syndrome.”
Feb 11, 2026 at 12:45 PM EST
Judiciary Committee recesses for House floor votes
The House Judiciary Committee temporarily recessed its hearing on Wednesday to allow lawmakers to participate in votes on the House floor.
Feb 11, 2026 at 12:43 PM EST
Raskin presses Bondi on Trump’s IRS lawsuit, emoluments clause
Rep. Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, questioned Attorney General Pam Bondi about President Donald Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS and Treasury Department over a leak of his tax filings to The New York Times.
Raskin cited the Constitution’s Domestic Emoluments Clause, which limits a president to his salary while in office, and asked whether Trump’s efforts to secure money from the federal government through litigation would violate that provision.
“Do you think it would violate the domestic Emoluments Clause for the president to work out a deal from people or his subordinates under his unitary executive theory, to get money in one of these cases?” Raskin asked.
Bondi declined to answer directly, saying, “I’m not going to discuss pending litigation.”
Feb 11, 2026 at 12:31 PM EST
Lieu presses Bondi on Epstein Files, Trump ties
Rep. Ted Lieu, D‑Calif., confronted Attorney General Pam Bondi during Wednesday’s Judiciary Committee hearing, displaying a photo of Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor released in the Epstein files and asking why it had not been used to pursue charges. Bondi deflected, questioning why Lieu had not raised the issue with former Attorney General Merrick Garland. Lieu agreed Garland had “dropped the ball.”
Lieu then played a video of Jeffrey Epstein and Donald Trump at a party, asking if underage girls were present. Bondi dismissed the question as “ridiculous,” insisting there was “no evidence” of wrongdoing.
Feb 11, 2026 at 12:25 PM EST
Correa highlights survivors’ distrust of DOJ
Rep. Lou Correa, D‑Calif., asked Epstein survivors present at Wednesday’s Judiciary Committee hearing to stand and raise their hands if they believed federal authorities had their backs. None of the survivors raised their hands.
“That’s the issue, Madam Attorney General,” Correa said, turning to Pam Bondi. “We’ve got to make sure that victims stand up and report the crimes, otherwise we’re going to be taking steps backwards.”
Feb 11, 2026 at 12:21 PM EST
Bondi touts Trump’s priorities, targets fraud in California
Attorney General Pam Bondi highlighted President Donald Trump’s focus on protecting parents, children, and Christians during Wednesday’s Judiciary Committee testimony, pledging to safeguard parental rights in education and religious freedom.
Bondi said Christians should be able to protest outside abortion clinics “without being arrested,” and emphasized the administration’s commitment to protecting free expression.
She also addressed concerns about fraud, noting that California ranks among the states with the most severe problems. “We are establishing a fraud unit,” Bondi said. “California is right up there with fraud. It’s out of control. But we are coming to your rescue. Donald Trump is coming to the rescue.”
Bondi added that Minnesota faces even greater challenges, pointing to ongoing federal efforts there.
Feb 11, 2026 at 12:01 PM EST
Swalwell presses Bondi on DOJ response to death threats
Rep. Eric Swalwell, D‑Calif., used his time during Wednesday’s Judiciary Committee hearing to detail death threats he has received and asked Attorney General Pam Bondi whether the Justice Department is investigating them.
Bondi acknowledged the threats, saying she was aware of several cases involving Swalwell personally. “I believe one has been charged publicly,” she said, adding that she would be willing to discuss the matter further with him after the hearing.
“I can assure you that they are very serious, they are being looked into, and I can give you more details on those,” Bondi said. “None of you should be threatened, ever. None of your children should be threatened. None of your families should be threatened.”
Feb 11, 2026 at 11:57 AM EST
Johnson presses Bondi on Trump redactions, survivors’ identities
Rep. Hank Johnson, D‑Ga., pressed Attorney General Pam Bondi during Wednesday’s Judiciary Committee hearing on whether 1,000 Justice Department staffers were tasked with scrubbing Donald Trump’s name from the Epstein files. Bondi did not answer directly, instead saying 500 attorneys and reviewers had been assigned to redactions overall.
Johnson then asked whether her eight years as Florida’s attorney general prepared her for the role, to which Bondi cited her 18 years as a prosecutor. He followed up by questioning her record on sexual assault cases and whether she understood the importance of protecting victims’ identities. Bondi replied that she had already addressed the issue but did not give a direct answer.
Frustrated, Johnson accused Bondi of acting like “Jekyll and Hyde,” saying she was cordial with Republicans on the committee but dismissive toward Democrats.
Feb 11, 2026 at 11:53 AM EST
Bondi’s testimony turns combative in first hour
Attorney General Pam Bondi’s first hour before the House Judiciary Committee devolved into shouting matches and personal attacks, as Democrats pressed her on the Justice Department’s handling of the Epstein files.
Bondi repeatedly refused to apologize for exposing survivors’ identities in released documents, accusing Rep. Pramila Jayapal of trying to drag her “into the gutter.” She leveled the same charge at Rep. Jerry Nadler, who asked about DOJ’s failure to pursue Epstein co‑conspirators. When Rep. Jamie Raskin intervened, Bondi shouted that he was a “washed up loser lawyer.”
Her combative strategy mirrored her earlier Senate testimony, where she leaned on questions about cartels, immigration, and alleged weaponization of justice while pivoting to praise President Trump. At one point, Bondi startled Democrats by shifting to stock market numbers and telling two lawmakers, “you’re a great stock trader.”
Democrats pushed back, accusing her of wasting their questioning time. “I think it’s pathetic that she can’t answer the questions,” Rep. Zoe Lofgren said.
Feb 11, 2026 at 11:48 AM EST
Cohen praises Memphis task force, presses Bondi on ICE ads, Minneapolis shootings
Rep. Steve Cohen, D‑Tenn., acknowledged the success of the multi‑agency Memphis Safe Task Force in reducing crime in his home city during Wednesday’s Judiciary Committee hearing. He noted that Memphis Mayor Paul Young also supports the task force’s presence.
“Thank you for saying that,” Attorney General Pam Bondi replied, marking a rare moment of agreement with a Democratic lawmaker.
Cohen then raised concerns that ICE was running recruitment ads aimed at poaching local law enforcement officers. Bondi said she had not seen the ads but added that both ICE and state agencies need “strong people.”
The exchange turned tense as Cohen described the Minneapolis shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good as “executions” and accused Bondi of failing to investigate. “That was wrong, and you should investigate,” Cohen concluded.
Feb 11, 2026 at 11:25 AM EST
Bondi escalates clash with Raskin, calls him ‘loser lawyer’
Attorney General Pam Bondi lashed out at Rep. Jamie Raskin during Wednesday’s Judiciary Committee hearing, calling the Maryland Democrat and former constitutional law professor a “washed-up loser lawyer” and “not even a lawyer.”
The insults came after Rep. Jerry Nadler pressed Bondi on how many of Jeffrey Epstein’s co‑conspirators had been indicted or investigated. Bondi did not answer directly, prompting Democrats to accuse her of evading questions. Raskin intervened, warning Bondi against filibustering.
“You don’t tell me anything,” Bondi shouted back, as the exchange grew heated.
Feb 11, 2026 at 11:21 AM EST
Bondi, Lofgren clash over Epstein emails and DOJ transparency
Rep. Zoe Lofgren pressed Attorney General Pam Bondi during Wednesday’s Judiciary Committee hearing on whether emails involving Jeffrey Epstein and Hollywood executive Steve Tisch warranted further investigation. Lofgren asked for a yes‑or‑no answer, citing correspondence in which Epstein described a young Ukrainian woman and advised Tisch to call him to avoid leaving records.
Bondi refused to give a direct response, saying she would not “play a yes‑no game” but insisted the DOJ would investigate any credible allegations. Lofgren countered that the department’s July memo, which claimed no additional charges were warranted, contradicted the evidence in the files, and she criticized the limited access provided to lawmakers.
She accused the DOJ of failing to comply fully with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, noting that President Trump’s name had been redacted thousands of times despite appearing in the documents. Lofgren also condemned the department’s handling of fatal incidents involving immigration enforcement officers in Minnesota, calling DOJ’s refusal to cooperate with local authorities “disgraceful.”
Bondi responded by accusing Lofgren of unfairly targeting Trump, calling him “the greatest president in American history,” and dismissing her criticism as partisan.
Feb 11, 2026 at 11:11 AM EST
Nadler, Bondi shout over Epstein questions in heated exchange
Rep. Jerry Nadler pressed Attorney General Pam Bondi during Wednesday’s Judiciary Committee hearing to answer how many of Jeffrey Epstein’s co‑conspirators had been indicted. “How many perpetrators are you even investigating? How many have you indicted?” Nadler asked.
Bondi refused to give a direct answer, saying she would respond “the way I want to answer the question” and dismissing Nadler’s approach as “theatrics.” She added, “I’m not going to get into the gutter with these people.”
The two shouted over each other until Rep. Jamie Raskin intervened, asking Chairman Jim Jordan to stop the clock so Nadler could reclaim his time. “You can filibuster all day long, but not on our watch, not on our time,” Raskin told Bondi.
Feb 11, 2026 at 11:02 AM EST
Bondi erupts as Nadler presses DOJ focus on Trump’s enemies
Rep. Jerry Nadler accused Attorney General Pam Bondi of devoting Justice Department resources to pursuing President Trump’s political adversaries rather than investigating Epstein co‑conspirators, sparking one of the most heated moments of Wednesday’s Judiciary Committee hearing.
Nadler said the department has failed to bring Epstein’s co‑conspirators to justice, instead devoting resources to pursuing President Trump’s political adversaries.
He cited repeated attempts to indict New York Attorney General Letitia James, describing them as politically motivated and rejected by grand juries. Nadler accused Bondi of following Trump’s orders to investigate his opponents, while ignoring evidence of criminality in the Epstein files.
“How many of Epstein’s co‑conspirators have you indicted?” Nadler pressed. Bondi refused to answer directly, pivoting to criticism of Trump’s indictments and accusing Nadler of partisanship. The two spoke over each other as Bondi declared, “I’m not going to get in the gutter with these people.”
Feb 11, 2026 at 10:50 AM EST
Bondi blames Democrats for clashes over immigration enforcement
Attorney General Pam Bondi used part of her opening statement Wednesday to criticize Democratic leaders who opposed the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, accusing them of fueling “avoidable clashes on the streets.”
Bondi pointed to Minnesota, where weeks of protests followed the fatal shooting of two people by DHS officers. She said the Justice Department has subpoenaed several state and local Democratic lawmakers as part of an investigation into potential obstruction of federal law enforcement. “Citizens and law enforcement officers have both been endangered by reckless rhetoric,” Bondi said.
At the same time, Bondi praised Democratic officials in Washington, D.C., and Memphis for cooperating with federal authorities to reduce crime. “Public safety does not have a party registration,” she said. “When your constituents call 911, they don’t ask for political views of the responding officer. They ask for help.”
Feb 11, 2026 at 10:47 AM EST
Jayapal clashes with Bondi over Epstein file redactions
Rep. Pramila Jayapal pressed Attorney General Pam Bondi during Wednesday’s Judiciary Committee hearing, calling on Epstein survivors in the room to stand and raise their hands if they had not yet met with the Justice Department. “Please know for the record that every single survivor has raised their hand,” Jayapal said.
She then demanded that Bondi apologize to the survivors, blasting the DOJ for failing to protect their identities in the release of Epstein‑related documents. Jayapal pointed to a list of 32 survivors’ names that was published with only one redacted, along with files that included emails, addresses, nude photographs, and the identities of Jane Does who had been shielded for decades.
“This is in violation of the law,” Jayapal said, accusing the department of exposing victims while shielding perpetrators. The clash highlighted mounting frustration among survivors and lawmakers over what they describe as a botched and incomplete release of the Epstein files.
Jayapal asked Bondi directly to turn to the survivors present and acknowledge the harm caused by the release of files that exposed victims’ identities. Bondi instead pivoted to criticizing former Attorney General Merrick Garland, prompting Jayapal to cut in and reclaim her time.
Bondi accused Jayapal of “theatrics” and said the congresswoman “didn’t like the answer,” repeating her criticism of Garland rather than addressing the apology request. The two spoke over each other as the exchange grew heated, with Bondi ultimately refusing to apologize.
Feb 11, 2026 at 10:36 AM EST
Bondi defends DOJ’s handling of Epstein files, apologizes to survivors
Attorney General Pam Bondi used her opening statement Wednesday to defend the Justice Department’s release of Epstein‑related documents, saying more than 500 attorneys and reviewers spent thousands of hours combing through millions of pages to comply with congressional mandates.
Bondi said the department has released more than 3 million pages, including 180,000 images, while protecting victims’ identities. She acknowledged that some names were inadvertently exposed but insisted they were quickly redacted once reported. “All members of Congress are invited to visit DOJ to see for yourselves,” she told lawmakers.
Turning directly to survivors seated in the hearing room, Bondi emphasized her career as a prosecutor and expressed regret for their suffering. “I am deeply sorry for what any victim has been through, especially as a result of that monster,” she said, urging survivors to share information with the FBI. “Any accusations of criminal wrongdoing will be taken seriously and investigated.”
Feb 11, 2026 at 10:33 AM EST
Bondi opens judiciary hearing with defense of DOJ record
Attorney General Pam Bondi began her testimony before the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday by touting what she called historic progress in reducing violent crime and defending the rule of law.
Bondi, sworn in as the nation’s 87th attorney general just over a year ago, said her priority has been refocusing the Justice Department on its “core mission” after years of what she described as political weaponization. She credited President Trump’s support and resources for helping drive down crime rates, noting that murders fell to their lowest level in 125 years in 2025.
She highlighted declines in robbery, burglary and gun assaults, citing Washington, D.C., and Memphis as examples where federal intervention produced rapid results. Bondi emphasized that public safety “does not have a party registration,” pointing to cooperation with Democratic mayors.
Her remarks also touched on federal efforts against drug cartels, gangs, and terrorist organizations, including seizures of fentanyl, she said, that represented hundreds of millions of potentially lethal doses. Bondi accused “liberal activist judges” of obstructing Trump’s agenda but said the administration had secured favorable rulings at the Supreme Court.
Feb 11, 2026 at 10:30 AM EST
Epstein survivors to attend Bondi’s Judiciary testimony
Jeffrey Epstein survivors and family members of Virginia Giuffre are expected to be seated in the hearing room Wednesday morning as Attorney General Pam Bondi testifies before the House Judiciary Committee, according to a committee source.
The group includes Theresa Helm, Jess Michaels, Lara Blume McGee, Dani Bensky, Liz Stein, Marina Lacerda, Sky and Amanda Roberts, Sharlene Rochard, Rachel B., and Lisa Phillips. Their presence underscores the intense scrutiny Bondi faces over the Justice Department’s handling of the Epstein files.
Survivors have condemned what they describe as an incomplete release of documents, citing botched redactions and a lack of transparency. They argue the department has failed to fully investigate individuals named in the files, leaving critical questions unanswered.
Feb 11, 2026 at 10:27 AM EST
Raskin: ‘To promote justice for the people, you’ve got to listen to the victims’
Rep. Jamie Raskin began Wednesday’s House Judiciary Committee hearing by introducing Attorney General Pam Bondi to Epstein survivors seated in the room.
“You’ve got the best lawyer’s job in America because your mission is justice, and your clients are the American people,” Raskin said. “But to promote justice for the people, you’ve got to listen to the victims. Like the women seated behind you today.”
He listed survivors and family members present, noting their demand for accountability in the Justice Department’s handling of the case. Raskin accused Bondi of running “a massive Epstein cover‑up,” pointing to her refusal to release millions of subpoenaed documents.
“You’ve been ordered by subpoena and by Congress to turn over six million documents, photos and videos in the Epstein files, but you’ve turned over only three million,” Raskin said, underscoring frustration over redactions and incomplete disclosures.
Feb 11, 2026 at 10:24 AM EST
Bondi confronted by Raskin over DOJ handling of protests, Epstein files
Attorney General Pam Bondi faced a tense exchange with Rep. Jamie Raskin during her Judiciary Committee testimony Wednesday, as the Maryland Democrat accused her of ignoring victims while siding with perpetrators.
Raskin pressed Bondi on whether protests outside the homes of Supreme Court justices in 2022 were intended to intimidate the court following the leak of the Dobbs decision. Bondi agreed, citing federal law that prohibits picketing outside judges’ residences. She criticized the Biden administration for failing to prosecute demonstrators, alleging political bias.
Raskin then pivoted to the Justice Department’s handling of the Epstein files, accusing Bondi of withholding millions of documents, redacting names of abusers while exposing victims, and overseeing what he called a “massive Epstein cover‑up.” He also condemned her for shutting down investigations into fatal encounters involving immigration enforcement officers and for pursuing cases against Trump’s political opponents.
Feb 11, 2026 at 10:17 AM EST
Democrats, survivors press Bondi on Epstein files at hearing
Democrats and survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse intensified pressure on Attorney General Pam Bondi on Wednesday, demanding accountability for the Justice Department’s handling of the case.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal vowed to seek “real answers” on why the department has not pursued further action, while survivors accused Bondi of failing them across administrations. “Pam Bondi and the Justice Department failed us repeatedly,” said Sky Roberts, brother of survivor Virginia Giuffre.
Several survivors attended the hearing, including Jess Michaels, who urged Republican lawmakers to show “courage” rather than complicity. Michaels suggested GOP members yield time to Rep. Thomas Massie so he could press further on the files.
Survivors criticized the DOJ for redactions and lack of follow‑up investigations. “Every credible allegation must be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly no matter who the person is, how wealthy they are or how well connected they are,” said survivor Marina Lacerda.
Feb 11, 2026 at 10:11 AM EST
Bondi clashes with Blumenthal over merger questions at hearing
Attorney General Pam Bondi sparred with Sen. Richard Blumenthal during Wednesday’s Judiciary Committee hearing after he pressed her on corporate mergers and potential conflicts of interest.
Blumenthal cited several mergers, including Paramount’s deal with Skydance, and questioned whether Bondi’s former law firm, Ballard Partners, had influenced the Justice Department’s decision to drop a lawsuit involving American Express. He asked Bondi directly about her conversations with Brian Ballard, a longtime political ally.
Bondi fired back, accusing Blumenthal of lying about his military service and defending her record as a career prosecutor. “Never challenge my integrity. I have abided by every ethics standard,” she said, rejecting suggestions of impropriety.
Feb 11, 2026 at 10:00 AM EST
Bondi faces Judiciary Committee in high-stakes hearing
Attorney General Pam Bondi began her first appearance before the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, facing bipartisan scrutiny over her handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files and accusations of politicizing the Justice Department.
Feb 11, 2026 at 09:58 AM EST
Justice Department revives Trump-focused probes amid pressure
Justice Department officials met last week to discuss ways to reenergize investigations into those who previously scrutinized President Donald Trump, according to a source familiar with the plan.
Attorney General Pam Bondi created a “Weaponization Working Group” shortly after taking office last year to examine law enforcement actions under the Biden administration. The group was tasked with reviewing probes led by former special counsel Jack Smith, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and investigations tied to the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Despite its mandate, the group has not produced public findings in its first year. In recent weeks, Trump has increased pressure on Justice Department officials, admonishing U.S. attorneys for failing to deliver cases he wants pursued.
Feb 11, 2026 at 09:54 AM EST
Nancy Mace rebukes commerce secretary over Epstein lunch
Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina sharply criticized U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick after he admitted during Senate testimony that he had lunch with Jeffrey Epstein on the financier’s private island in 2012.
Lutnick confirmed the meeting before the Senate Appropriations Committee, saying, “We had lunch on the island, that is true, for an hour.” His disclosure prompted bipartisan calls for his resignation.
Speaking later to NewsNation, Mace said she was glad Lutnick revealed the encounter under oath but condemned his decision to meet with Epstein following his 2008 conviction for procuring a child for prostitution. “I wouldn’t sit and have lunch with a convicted pedophile,” she said.
Mace added that while the meeting was not criminal, it was deeply troubling. “As a mom, I wouldn’t sit and have lunch with a convicted pedophile. I don’t think that’s something I would personally do, but that’s my personal choice,” she said.
Feb 11, 2026 at 09:50 AM EST
Rep. Massie floats contempt charge against Bondi ahead of hearing
Rep. Thomas Massie suggested Tuesday that Attorney General Pam Bondi could face contempt proceedings if she fails to account for her handling of the Epstein files.
Speaking on CNN’s The Source, the Kentucky Republican said inherent contempt may be “the quickest and most expeditious way to get justice for these victims.” Massie co‑authored the legislation requiring the release of the files, which remain at the center of controversy.
Bondi is scheduled to testify before the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday. Massie said lawmakers could compel other witnesses if Bondi does not confirm additional disclosures. “It’s hard to refer a contempt charge on an attorney general to the attorney general,” he noted, underscoring the challenge of pursuing such a move.
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Feb 11, 2026 at 09:46 AM EST
Grand jury declines to indict Democrats over anti-Trump video
A federal grand jury has rejected the Justice Department’s attempt to indict six Democratic lawmakers who appeared in a video urging military and intelligence officials to refuse any illegal orders from the Trump administration.
The 90‑second clip, featuring Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, Rep. Jason Crow of Colorado, Reps. Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania, and Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire, warned of “threats to our Constitution” and called for resistance to unlawful directives.
The failed indictment marks a setback for the administration’s efforts to portray the lawmakers—many of whom have military or intelligence backgrounds—as undermining presidential authority. Grand juries rarely reject charges sought by prosecutors, though such refusals have become more common in recent months as the DOJ pursues controversial cases.
Kelly called the attempt “an outrageous abuse of power.” Attorney General Pam Bondi is expected to face pointed questions about the episode during her testimony before the House Judiciary Committee, where critics say she has turned the department into a tool for the president’s political battles.
Feb 11, 2026 at 09:42 AM EST
Bondi faces bipartisan firestorm over Epstein files at Judiciary hearing
Attorney General Pam Bondi makes her first appearance today before the House Judiciary Committee, where she is expected to face sharp bipartisan criticism over the Justice Department’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files.
Bondi has previously relied on quick one‑liners to deflect tough questions, but analysts say that approach may not work in this high‑stakes setting. “She needs to take the temperature down. She needs to be the adult in the room,” said CNN commentator Xochitl Hinojosa, who served as public affairs director under former Attorney General Merrick Garland.
Lawmakers have recently reviewed unredacted Epstein documents, raising new questions about why certain names remain concealed. The controversy has fueled frustration among those who expected full transparency. Even White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, a longtime ally of Bondi, criticized her handling of the release, saying she offered “binders full of nothingness.”
Bondi is also expected to be pressed on accusations that she has used the Justice Department to pursue President Trump’s political adversaries, despite her claims of ending “weaponization” of the agency.
Observers say Bondi must balance appeasing the White House with maintaining credibility before Congress. “She has to get out of the hearing alive and please the President,” Hinojosa said, “while making sure she does not look like a fool.”
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