Bondi Clashes With Lawmakers Over Epstein Files, Trump-Linked Prosecutions
Attorney General Pam Bondi sparred with House lawmakers Wednesday in a combative hearing marked by sharp criticism over the Justice Department’s handling of the Epstein files and its pursuit of cases tied to President Trump’s political adversaries.
In one heated exchange, she called Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) a “washed-up loser lawyer.” She also called Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) “has Trump derangement syndrome” and is “a failed politician.” Some legislators accused her of bringing a “burn book” to the hearing.
The hearing came one day after federal prosecutors tried and failed to secure a criminal indictment Tuesday against six Democratic lawmakers, leading to concerns about the first ammendment and separation of powers. In November, six Democrats with military or intelligence backgrounds, appeared in a video urging military personnel to refuse to follow orders if they are unlawful.
INSIDE THE HEARING
Bondi deflected criticism over the Trump administration’s handling of the Epstein files during the House Judiciary Committee’s oversight hearing by insisting that he is the most transparent president ever, and signed the law requiring the release of the documents. (Fact Check: The Trump administration initially lobbied Congress against that law). At one point, Bondi told Democrats they should be more focused on stock market gains and other administration achievements.
“The Dow is over 50,000 right now,” Bondi said in testimony before the House Judiciary Committee after Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) criticized her for failing to indict any co-conspirators connected to Epstein. “That’s what we should be talking about,” Bondi continued.
EPSTEIN VICTIMS: In her opening remarks, Bondi defended the DOJ’s handling of the Epstein files, saying any inadvertent release of victims’ names was corrected quickly and that she has spent her career “fighting for victims.”
But when Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) asked her to turn and apologize directly to victims in the room, Bondi refused, saying, “I am not going to get in the gutter for her theatrics.”
POLITICAL PROSECUTIONS: Raskin accused Bondi of turning the DOJ into “Trump’s instrument of revenge,” saying: “Trump orders up prosecutions like pizza and you deliver every time he tells you to go after James Comey, Letitia James, Lisa Cook, and Jerome Powell, the head of the Federal Reserve Board, and members of Congress.”
But, Bondi says the DOJ “weaponization has ended” under her leadership.
GRAND JURY REJECTION
Federal prosecutors reportedly argued that the six Democratic lawmakers, who urged military personnel to refuse unlawful orders, violated a law prohibiting interference with the loyalty, morale, or discipline of the U.S. armed forces. But, a Washington D.C. grand jury rejected the case. It is the latest case linked to Trump that a grand jury or judge has tossed.
REWIND: U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro sought charges against Sens. Elissa Slotkin (MI) and Mark Kelly (AZ), along with Reps. Chris Deluzio (PA), Chrissy Houlahan (PA), Maggie Goodlander (NH), and Jason Crow (CO).
Their video urging military members to refuse illegal orders came as some legal analysts and lawmakers questioned the Trump administration’s airstrikes on suspected drug boats near Venezuela.
“SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!” Trump wrote on Truth Social after the post. He shared another person’s post that said, “HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD !!”
Slotkin posted Tuesday: “Tonight we can score one for the Constitution, our freedom of speech, and the rule of law.” Kelly said, “Donald Trump wants every American to be too scared to speak out against him. The most patriotic thing any of us can do is not back down.” Sen. Thom Tillis came out Wednesday, accusing the Trump admin of “political lawfare.”
BIGGER PICTURE: In addition to the First Amendment issues with the attempt to indict members of Congress, the “speech or debate” clause of the Constitution gives lawmakers on Capitol Hill immunity from prosecution for acts taken within the legislative sphere.
The failed case is the latest in a series of controversial prosecutions and failed indictments pursued by the Trump administration, including cases involving former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James.
Under federal law, felony charges require a grand jury indictment. At least 12 of between 16-23 jurors on the grand jury must vote that there is probable cause to proceed.