Todd Blanche led Epstein files release, Bondi told lawmakers, according to new transcript 

WASHINGTON, DC: Former Attorney General Pam Bondi told lawmakers that Todd Blanche, President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the Justice Department, was responsible for overseeing the release and review of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents.

According to a transcript of Bondi’s closed-door testimony before the House Oversight Committee, released on Thursday, June 4, she said Blanche managed the department’s compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act and supervised the release process. 

“He was in charge of the process and the entire release of the Epstein files,” Bondi told lawmakers when questioned about her role in handling the documents.

Questions persist over unreleased records

The Justice Department has released approximately three million Epstein-related files following congressional mandates, but lawmakers pressed Bondi on why an additional three million records have yet to be made public.

Bondi maintained that the department was not withholding information, arguing that the remaining material largely consists of duplicate records or privileged documents. 

“To my knowledge, they’ve all been released,” she said, referring lawmakers to FBI Director Kash Patel for questions about whether all relevant FBI records had been transferred to the Justice Department.

The department has faced criticism from both Republicans and Democrats over alleged withholding of records, extensive redactions and the accidental disclosure of information related to Epstein’s victims.

Past controversies fuel new scrutiny

Bondi’s testimony revisited earlier controversy surrounding her public comments about an alleged Epstein “client list.” In a television interview in 2025, she suggested such a list was on her desk before later clarifying that she had been referring to the broader case file.

The episode contributed to growing criticism of the administration’s handling of the Epstein investigation and reportedly led to Blanche being placed in charge of the matter.

With Trump expected to formally nominate Blanche as attorney general, Democrats are using Bondi’s testimony to argue that he should personally explain his role in the handling and release of the Epstein files.

Blanche is already expected to face a contentious Senate confirmation process amid bipartisan concerns over several issues, including his role in negotiating a controversial settlement tied to Trump that established a $1.8 billion fund for alleged victims of government “weaponization” and provided protections from IRS audits for Trump, his family and businesses.

Lawmakers are expected to scrutinize both the Epstein files controversy and the anti-weaponization fund during confirmation hearings.

Pam Bondi declines to discuss Trump conversations

During her testimony, Bondi repeatedly refused to discuss any conversations she may have had with Trump, citing executive privilege. “I’m not going to discuss any conversations that I’ve had with the president on any matter,” she told lawmakers.

She also said she was unfamiliar with a key FBI document reportedly listing 10 Epstein co-conspirators, most of whose names remain redacted. “I don’t recall ever reviewing this document,” Bondi said, directing further questions to Patel.

Pam Bondi says Ghislaine Maxwell's prison transfer was not her decision

Bondi also denied any involvement in the decision to transfer convicted Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell to a minimum-security prison camp in Bryan, Texas.

She said she learned of the transfer through media reports and insisted the decision fell under the authority of the Bureau of Prisons.

The transfer occurred shortly after Blanche conducted a two-day interview with Maxwell at a Florida prison. Bondi said she had no knowledge of any connection between the two events.

Describing Maxwell as “a monster, just like Jeffrey Epstein,” Bondi said she believes Maxwell should remain imprisoned for life and should not receive a presidential pardon.