Pam Bondi shifts responsibility to successor during House Epstein files hearing

During a closed-door hearing with the House Oversight Committee regarding the Justice Department's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, former Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared to assign accountability to her successor, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. Bondi emphasized that the department maintained a strong commitment to transparency while collecting and reviewing Epstein-related documents, noting that the process was complex and labor-intensive. She clarified that she did not personally oversee every step, having delegated certain responsibilities to Blanche. This statement led observers, including MS NOW correspondent Ken Dilanian, to suggest that Bondi was metaphorically throwing Blanche 'under the bus.' While Bondi was previously the head of the department, it was Blanche who managed much of the DOJ's daily operations during her tenure. Analysts point out that the committee may have sought Bondi's testimony more for formal accountability than for detailed operational insights, which were largely managed by Blanche. The hearing highlights ongoing scrutiny over transparency and oversight in sensitive federal investigations, raising questions about leadership responsibilities within the Justice Department.