Former DOJ official rejects Bondi’s effort to shift responsibility for handling of Epstein files

A former U.S. Department of Justice official has pushed back against former Attorney General Pam Bondi’s effort to deflect responsibility for the Justice Department’s handling of materials related to Jeffrey Epstein. According to a column cited in the report, Bondi’s recent testimony before the House Oversight Committee sought to place blame on acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel for issues tied to the Epstein files controversy. However, former DOJ Office of Public Affairs director Anthony Coley argued that Bondi herself was deeply involved in the decisions at the center of the dispute and should not be portrayed as a passive participant. Coley stated that Bondi’s leadership of the Justice Department included actions that limited transparency and slowed the release of information related to Epstein, including resistance to congressional demands for disclosure and a refusal to meet directly with Epstein survivors who had requested an audience with her. The article also highlights criticism regarding prioritization of political meetings, including an alleged White House Situation Room meeting involving a member of Congress that was intended to influence support for efforts to force disclosure of Epstein-related documents. Additional criticism referenced in the report comes from within political circles, including comments attributed to White House officials questioning Bondi’s handling of public expectations regarding an alleged Epstein client list. The narrative presented in the column emphasizes that Bondi’s attempt to redirect scrutiny toward other officials was undermined by claims that she was directly involved in key decisions and messaging surrounding the case. Overall, the piece frames the dispute as part of an ongoing political and institutional conflict over transparency, accountability, and the handling of sensitive materials connected to the Epstein investigation and related congressional oversight efforts.