AOC calls for Pam Bondi’s immediate resignation after Epstein files release

WASHINGTON, DC: Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) has criticised Attorney General Pam Bondi over the Department of Justice’s latest release of records linked to convicted offender Jeffrey Epstein, accusing the administration of an open cover-up and demanding the attorney general's resignation.

Her remarks came after the release of a large set of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents on Friday, December 19.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez demands Pam Bondi 'should resign tonight'

Demanding the immediate resignation of Bondi, Ocasio-Cortez took to X, writing, “Now the coverup is out in the open. This is far from over. Everyone involved will have to answer for this. Pam Bondi, Kash Patel, whole admin.”

“Protecting a bunch of rapists and pedophiles because they have money, power, and connections,” she added, before insisting, “Bondi should resign tonight.”

Lawmakers slam DOJ over heavy redaction in Epstein files

The release of heavily redacted documents drew heavy criticism from congressional Democrats and Rep Thomas Massie (R-KY), who has been a leading voice in pushing Bondi and the DOJ to release all documents and materials related to Jeffrey Epstein.

Massie and several other lawmakers, including Rep Ro Khanna (D-CA), have threatened consequences against the DOJ for not complying with the law, especially for not providing explanations for redactions.

The department pushed back against claims that it would miss the statutory deadline to release the files, saying that it was meeting the “initial deadline” while continuing to review materials to protect survivors.

In a statement posted on X by its public affairs office, the department rejected reporting suggesting delays, arguing that the Trump administration was delivering unprecedented transparency compared to previous administrations.

“The DOJ is releasing a massive tranche of new documents that the Biden and Obama administrations refused to release,” the statement said. “The story here: the Trump administration is providing levels of transparency that prior administrations never even contemplated.”

Newly released Epstein documents

The Justice Department's release included thousands of documents tied to Epstein and his longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell, marking one of the most extensive disclosures related to the case so far.

The documents were published ahead of a statutory deadline set by Congress and include a sprawling digital archive of court filings, correspondence, and photographs. Some of the images had not previously been made public and were partially redacted.

According to the Justice Department, several images were described as graphic in nature, though no additional context was provided about when or where the photos were taken.

The newly released photographs showed Epstein and Maxwell socializing with high-profile figures, including former President Bill Clinton and pop star Michael Jackson. Officials did not clarify the circumstances surrounding those interactions.