There are lots of different ways to assess Attorney General Pam Bondi’s appearance today before the House Judiciary committee.
Combative. Surly. Disdainful. Acting as if she doesn’t answer to Congress — as if Congress answers to her.
But here’s what stood out to me: she seemed like someone in trouble with the president, scrambling to regain his favor.
I don’t know if that’s true. That’s just my impression. But it was an embarrassing and appalling performance.
Start with what looked like an attempt to deflect from Epstein. This photo captures a moment that should stick with all of us. Epstein survivors were in the audience. Representative Pramila Jayapal asked them to stand and raise their hands if the DOJ had not contacted them. Every single one raised a hand.
Next is a video that perfectly captures Bondi’s posture before the committee. Representative Jim Jordan tries to run interference for her, but Representative Jerry Nadler — who was trying to ask a question — and Jamie Raskin push back.
At one point, Bondi answers a question about Epstein by pivoting to praise President Trump.
Republican Representative Thomas Massie, who has become a persistent thorn in Trump’s side, forcefully challenges Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel as they attempt to deflect. Massie notes that the DOJ’s redactions did not protect victims — but appear to have shielded alleged perpetrators, including Lex Wexner.
Jamie Raskin, visibly heated, attempts to question Bondi. At first she refuses to answer, sitting with her arms crossed in open defiance. When she finally responds, it’s with an insult.
One of the most intense exchanges comes during questioning from Representative Ted Lieu. Bondi claims there is no evidence of wrongdoing by Trump in the files. Lieu counters that several tips involving Trump have not been investigated.
And that was only the first session of today’s hearing.
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