Stories

Browse major news stories and see what officials have said.

May 29, 2026

Bondi Testifies on Epstein Files, Blames Blanche for Redaction Errors

Former Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared before the House Oversight Committee on May 29, 2026 for a closed-door transcribed interview on the DOJ's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Bondi defended the administration's record, acknowledged "redaction errors," and deflected blame to then-Deputy AG Todd Blanche, saying she had delegated oversight of the document review to him. Democrats fumed over the format — the interview was unsworn, not filmed, and conducted behind closed doors, with DOJ attorneys intervening to block questions about Bondi's conversations with President Trump. Ranking Member Robert Garcia called it "a cover-up" and announced plans to subpoena Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel. Chairman James Comer said he still wants all remaining documents released. The testimony came after months of standoffs: Bondi initially defied a congressional subpoena, then agreed to the interview only on the administration's terms. Democrats argued that having DOJ lawyers present and blocking questions about Trump made the session effectively meaningless.

Commerce Secretary Lutnick Testifies Before House Oversight on Epstein Ties

On May 6, 2026, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick — the highest-ranking Trump cabinet member named in the Epstein files outside the president himself — appeared before the House Oversight Committee for a closed-door, four-plus-hour transcribed interview about his evolving account of his contacts with Jeffrey Epstein. Lutnick appeared voluntarily and admitted to a 2012 family lunch on Epstein's private island, contradicting his earlier claim that he had cut ties in 2005. Democrats called him a liar and demanded his resignation; GOP Chairman Comer said Lutnick was "very transparent" but also conceded he "wasn't 100% truthful."

Fired AG Bondi Agrees to House Oversight Interview on Epstein Files

On April 29, 2026, the House Oversight Committee announced that former Attorney General Pam Bondi has agreed to sit for a transcribed interview on May 29 as part of the committee's investigation into the Justice Department's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files. The agreement comes after months of conflict: Bondi had been subpoenaed for a deposition, skipped the scheduled appearance, and Democrats had introduced a contempt resolution. The format changed from a sworn deposition to a transcribed interview — meaning Bondi will not be under oath, but will be reminded at the start that making false statements to Congress is subject to criminal prosecution. Bondi was fired as Attorney General in early April 2026 amid criticism that she had over-redacted and withheld Epstein-related documents required by the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Democratic and Republican lawmakers had pushed for her testimony even after her ouster. House Republicans scheduled the May 29 date without initially informing Democratic members of the committee, drawing complaints from Democrats.