Former Attorney General Pam Bondi told congressional investigators that Todd Blanche was responsible for overseeing the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, according to a newly released transcript of her closed-door testimony.
The transcript, released Thursday by the House Oversight Committee, offers new details about how the Justice Department handled one of the most politically sensitive issues of President Donald Trump’s second term.
“He was in charge of the process and the entire release of the Epstein files,” Bondi said of Blanche during her testimony.
Lawmakers questioned Bondi about the Justice Department’s compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act and why millions of documents remain unreleased.
Bondi said the department has already released approximately 3 million records and denied allegations that officials are withholding information.
“To my knowledge, they’ve all been released,” Bondi said.
She argued that many of the remaining records are duplicate materials or documents protected by legal privilege.
When asked whether the FBI had turned over all relevant records, Bondi said FBI Director Kash Patel would be better positioned to answer.
The testimony comes as Blanche faces increasing scrutiny over his role in handling the Epstein records. Trump is expected to nominate Blanche to serve as attorney general, CNN reports, making his involvement in the matter likely to draw additional attention during a confirmation process.
Bondi Distances Herself From Epstein File Controversy
The transcript shows Bondi repeatedly directing lawmakers to Blanche and Patel when asked about key decisions involving the Epstein records.
Bondi also attempted to clarify a controversial statement she made in 2025 suggesting Epstein’s alleged client list was sitting on her desk.
At the time, the remark fueled speculation that the Justice Department possessed a list of Epstein associates that had not been made public.
During her testimony, Bondi said she was referring to the broader collection of Epstein-related files.
“If you listen to the entire interview, I was referring to the file,” Bondi said. “I meant the files, to review.”
The Justice Department later acknowledged that no standalone Epstein client list existed.
Bondi also said she did not recall reviewing a document identifying Epstein’s alleged co-conspirators.
“I don’t recall ever reviewing this document,” Bondi said.
Maxwell Transfer Also Draws Questions
Lawmakers also questioned Bondi about the transfer of convicted Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell to a minimum-security prison camp in Texas.
Bondi said she had no involvement in the decision.
“I read about it in the newspaper, or online, after it happened. I had nothing to do with that,” Bondi said.
Asked whether the transfer was connected to a two-day interview Blanche conducted with Maxwell before the move, Bondi said she had no knowledge of any connection.
Bondi described Maxwell as “a monster, just like Jeffrey Epstein” and said she believes Maxwell should remain imprisoned for the rest of her life.
Prison Guard Rejects Epstein Death Conspiracies
The House Oversight Committee also released testimony from Tova Noel, the correctional officer believed to be among the last people to see Epstein alive before his death in federal custody in 2019.
Noel rejected conspiracy theories suggesting Epstein was murdered.
“I didn’t conspire to cause Mr. Epstein’s death,” Noel told lawmakers.
She said she believes Epstein died by suicide while alone in his jail cell.
“Because he was the only one in his cell,” Noel said. “Nobody else was in there.”
Epstein died in August 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.
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