Bondi sidesteps Epstein questions in tense Judiciary Committee hearing

Amna Nawaz:

Today, on Capitol Hill, Attorney General Pam Bondi faced a barrage of questions over a range of issues, from the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files to the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens in Minnesota by federal officers.

Geoff Bennett:

Bondi repeatedly sparred with lawmakers and at times engaged in shouting matches and left many questions unanswered, the tense exchanges unfolding with Epstein's survivors seated just behind her.

Our Ali Rogin has more.

Pam Bondi, U.S. Attorney General:

Mr. Chairman...

Ali Rogin:

On Capitol Hill, few answers and many insults.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA):

I'm reclaiming my time.

(Crosstalk)

Pam Bondi:

Twice when he sat in my chair. I will continue to answer.

Woman:

Mr. Chairman, the gentlelady has reclaimed her time.

Pam Bondi:

I'm not going to get in the gutter for her theatrics.

Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH):

Do you swear or affirm under penalty of perjury that the...

Ali Rogin:

Attorney General Pam Bondi faced questions about what some lawmakers said were poorly redacted Epstein files that endangered survivors, many of whom were in the room behind her.

Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD):

As attorney general, you're siding with the perpetrators and you're ignoring the victims. That will be your legacy unless you act quickly to change course.

Ali Rogin:

Her responses putting the blame back on the questioners, asking why they didn't ask her predecessor about Epstein.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal:

You apologize to the survivors and your opening statement for what they went through with the hands of Jeffrey Epstein. Will you turn to them now and apologize for what your Department of Justice has put them through with the un -- absolutely unacceptable release of the Epstein files and their information?

Pam Bondi:

Congresswoman, you sat before -- Merrick Garland sat in this chair twice.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal:

Attorney General Bondi...

Pam Bondi:

No, can I finish my answer?

Rep. Pramila Jayapal:

No, I'm going to reclaim my time because I asked you a specific question.

Rep. Jim Jordan:

The attorney general, yes or...

Woman:

No, no, no.

Ali Rogin:

Lawmakers also questioned the role of the Justice Department in immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota, where two U.S. citizens were killed by federal immigration officers.

Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN):

The fact is, ICE is running rampant, and you are not investigating them. When they killed Mr. Pretti and Ms. Good, that was an execution, and you did not investigate it. And you tried to investigate her -- Ms. Good's widow, and you tried to investigate Mr. Pretti.

Ali Rogin:

This was Bondi's first hearing since the release of millions of additional Epstein files. Lawmakers wanted to know if the DOJ planned to prosecute anyone and why some names like retail CEO Les Wexner were selectively redacted in incriminating documents, questions many, including Epstein's victims, have been asking.

But Bondi largely remained on offense.

Pam Bondi:

You don't tell me anything!

Rep. Jamie Raskin:

Yes. Oh, I did tell you because we saw what you did in the Senate.

(Crosstalk)

Pam Bondi:

... a lawyer. Not even a lawyer.

Within 40 minutes, Wexner's name was added back in.

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY):

Within 40 minutes of me catching you red-handed.

Pam Bondi:

Red-handed. There was one redaction out over 4,700.

Rep. Thomas Massie:

Where he's listed as a co-conspirator.

Pam Bondi:

And we invited you in.

(Crosstalk)

Pam Bondi:

This guy has Trump derangement syndrome. He needs to -- you're a failed politician.

I, Pamela, Bondi, do solemnly swear.

Ali Rogin:

The hearing comes a year into Bondi's tumultuous tenure with repeated concerns from lawmakers about the Justice Department's role in using law enforcement to target political foes of President Trump.

Bondi passionately defending the president.

Pam Bondi:

I find it interesting that she keeps going after President Trump, the greatest president in American history. And if they could maintain their composure, this isn't a circus. This is a hearing.

Ali Rogin:

Republicans applauded Bondi's focus on fraud and crime.

Rep. Jim Jordan:

What a difference a year makes. Under Attorney General Bondi, the DOJ has returned to its core missions, upholding the rule of law, going after the bad guys and keeping Americans safe.

Ali Rogin:

And Bondi praised President Trump's nominee for a newly created assistant attorney general for national fraud, who will report directly to the president, rather than to her.

Pam Bondi:

The cavalry's coming, and we have Colin McDonald, who is hopefully will be confirmed soon. It's out of control, but we are coming to your rescue. Donald Trump is coming to the rescue.

Ali Rogin:

Hours later, the gavel closed on a hearing that provided few answers for the public, lawmakers, and especially Epstein survivors.

Rep. Jim Jordan:

Without objection, the hearing is adjourned.

Ali Rogin:

For the "PBS News Hour," I'm Ali Rogin.