The House Oversight Committee on Thursday released the full transcript of former Attorney General Pam Bondi’s closed-door testimony, in which she placed primary responsibility for the Justice Department’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files on her former deputy, Todd Blanche.

Bondi, who was fired by President Donald Trump in April 2026, told lawmakers during the May 29 transcribed interview that Blanche oversaw the process and release of the files. “He was in charge of the process and the entire release of the Epstein files,” she said.

Epstein Files Transparency

The testimony marks the latest development in congressional scrutiny of the DOJ’s compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act.

The department released millions of pages under Bondi’s tenure, but the rollout drew criticism from both parties over delays, incomplete disclosures, and errors that exposed personal information of Epstein’s victims.

In her opening statement and responses, Bondi defended the overall effort. She said the department produced everything required by the law “to the best of my knowledge.” Remaining materials consisted mostly of duplicates or privileged information, she argued.

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Pam Bondi Testimony

Bondi acknowledged “redaction errors” during the process but directed further questions to FBI Director Kash Patel and emphasized her delegation of oversight.

“As the head of a large Department with broad responsibilities, I did not lead every aspect of this effort or conduct that document review myself,” Bondi stated. She delegated oversight to then-Deputy Attorney General Blanche.

Blanche, Trump’s nominee for attorney general and now acting in the role, served as Bondi’s deputy during the initial phases of the files’ release. Democrats on the committee immediately seized on her comments, calling for Blanche and Patel to testify.

Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), the ranking member, described Bondi as repeatedly shifting responsibility to Blanche.

Bondi’s appearance before the committee was not under oath and was not videotaped, a point of contention for Democrats who had sought a formal deposition.

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She declined to answer certain questions about President Trump’s involvement or knowledge, according to participants.

Trump dismissed Bondi in early April amid growing frustration over the Epstein files controversy and other matters. Blanche stepped in as acting attorney general.

The president has nominated him for the permanent position, setting up a likely contentious confirmation process in which the Epstein files will feature prominently.

Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) has continued the panel’s broad review of Epstein-related matters, including prior interviews with figures such as Ghislaine Maxwell, Bill and Hillary Clinton, and others.

A Justice Department spokesperson previously noted that senior officials attended Bondi’s interview to provide context on implementation of the transparency law.