Former Attorney General Pam Bondi refused to answer questions regarding Donald Trump's involvement in the release of Jeffrey Epstein files during a closed-door interview [1].
The refusal has sparked accusations of a cover-up among House lawmakers investigating the Department of Justice's handling of records related to the late sex offender [2].
The interview took place on Friday, May 29, 2026 [1], on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. According to Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), Bondi declined to provide information about the former president's role in how the files were managed or released [1], [2].
Lawmakers are currently examining whether there was undue influence or interference in the processing of these sensitive documents [2]. Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM) was also involved in the proceedings, as members of the House sought transparency regarding the chain of custody, and the timing of the records' disclosure [1].
Bondi's lack of cooperation during the session has been framed by some lawmakers as a deliberate effort to avoid accountability [2]. The investigation focuses on whether the Department of Justice followed standard protocols or if political pressure played a role in the handling of the Epstein files [2].
Because the interview was held behind closed doors, the full transcript of the exchange has not been made public. However, Rep. Garcia said the refusal to answer specific questions about Trump represents a failure of transparency [1].
“Bondi refused to answer lawmakers' questions about former President Donald Trump's involvement”
The refusal of a former high-ranking justice official to answer questions during a congressional inquiry typically signals a legal or political strategy to limit the discovery of potentially damaging information. In this case, the focus on the intersection of Donald Trump and the Epstein files suggests that lawmakers are attempting to establish a direct link between executive influence and the management of sensitive criminal records, which could lead to further subpoenas or formal contempt proceedings if the investigation stalls.
