Pam Bondi claims Todd Blanche was ‘in charge’ of ‘entire release’ of Epstein files

Key Points:

• Former attorney general Pam Bondi testified before the House oversight committee that Todd Blanche, Trump's pick to replace her, was "in charge" of the DOJ’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case and oversaw the release of Epstein files.
• Bondi stated she was uncertain about the extent of Trump's knowledge regarding Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell's crimes before they became public, while a White House spokesperson claimed Trump was "totally exonerated" on Epstein-related matters.
• Bondi defended the DOJ's handling of the Epstein records under her leadership but said she delegated oversight of the document review and release process to Blanche, acknowledging some redaction errors but emphasizing the department's commitment to transparency.
• Lawmakers and survivors criticized the DOJ for redactions and disclosure of sensitive information, with some Democratic lawmakers suggesting Bondi shifted blame for mistakes to Blanche, though Bondi publicly praised Blanche's management of the process.
• Bondi also denied involvement in Maxwell's controversial prison transfer, opposed any pardon for Maxwell, and declined to discuss conversations with Trump, while noting she had limited direct contact with victims or their attorneys during her tenure.