This isn’t the first time Pam Bondi has faced controversy over document handlingpublished at 11:18 GMT
11:18 GMT
Image source, Reuters
Attorney General Pam Bondi is facing criticism for releasing only about 1% of the full volume of the Epstein files, despite a law requiring the full release.
But it’s not the first time the attorney general has been at the centre of controversy over the disgraced financier.
Bondi was Florida attorney general between 2011 and 2019. Questions were raised over whether she could have prosecuted Jeffrey Epstein for sex crimes during her time in office, as Epstein’s home was in the state.
Back in February, during an interview on Fox News, Bondi was asked about a purported Epstein client list. She replied: “It’s sitting on my desk right now to review.”
But later, the Department of Justice said no such client list exists.
Bondi’s spokesperson said she was actually referring to the overall Epstein files.
In October, during a tense Senate hearing, Bondi was criticised for dodging questions about the Epstein files. Democrat Dick Durbin asked her if the justice department had flagged anything in the documents related to Donald Trump.
“I’m not going to discuss anything about that with you, senator,” Bondi replied.
Despite the criticism, Donald Trump has previously supported Bondi, writing in July: “Let Pam Bondi do her job,” and urging his supporters not to “waste time and energy” on Epstein.