Questions Raised About Pam Bondi’s Handling of Epstein Files

On Thursday, Jesse Watters of Fox News questioned Deputy Attorney General Todd Branch regarding the management of files linked to Jeffrey Epstein by former Attorney General Pam Bondi. Watters brought up that Bondi’s tenure ended after President Donald Trump announced Branch as the interim head of the Department of Justice. He asked if Branch thought that the Epstein files were mishandled.

Branch responded, saying he hadn’t heard Trump claim that Bondi’s actions were related to the Epstein case. He referred to the ongoing interest in the Epstein files, noting, “The Epstein file is a tidal wave that’s been going on for the past year.” He explained that once the president signed the Transparency Act, the Justice Department began releasing documents related to the case.

He mentioned that both he and Bondi had willingly presented themselves before Congress to address inquiries, ensuring that lawmakers received both redacted and unredacted documents as needed. Back in March, the House Oversight Committee voted, with support from both sides, to subpoena Bondi to discuss the Epstein files.

Branch elaborated, saying, “Attorney General Bondi and I voluntarily appeared before Congress several weeks ago to answer questions. We made the redacted documents available to all members and senators. As much as the Epstein file has dominated the past year at the Department of Justice, I don’t believe it should cast a shadow on future proceedings.”

Bondi has faced ongoing scrutiny regarding her management of the Epstein case. In February of 2025, she claimed to have a list of Epstein’s clients on her desk and distributed a binder of predominantly repetitive material to conservative figures within the White House.

Tensions heightened in July when a Justice Department memo suggested that no client list ever existed and concluded that Epstein’s death was a suicide. Following the passage of the Epstein File Transparency Act in November, the Department of Justice began releasing documents incrementally.

Additionally, President Trump has previously urged Bondi on Truth Social to expedite inquiries involving former FBI Director James Comey, California Democratic Sen. Adam Schiff, and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Reportedly, Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with Bondi’s performance, privately labeling her as a “weak and incompetent enforcer.”