U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said to John Roberts on Fox News today, "The files are sitting on my desk right now" when asked about reviewing and releasing files related to Jeffrey Epstein, including the much-discussed "client list."
Bondi has publicly advocated for transparency in the Epstein case, emphasizing that individuals named in related documents lack a legal basis to keep their identities hidden unless they are minors, victims, or cooperating defendants in ongoing legal proceedings, such as those involving Epstein's associate Ghislaine Maxwell.
In a November 2024 interview with Fox News, before her official swearing-in, Bondi expressed frustration over the slow release of Epstein-related documents, stating, "These documents were so slow to come out. Human trafficking is a multi-billion-dollar business in this country. And Jeffrey Epstein is dead. And Ghislaine Maxwell is in prison for 20 years where she belongs." She further argued that those fighting to keep their names private "have no legal basis to do so" outside of the exceptions she noted.
Since taking office on February 5, 2025, Bondi has hinted at imminent action. In an interview at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on February 20, 2025, with conservative commentator Benny Johnson, she confirmed she was "briefed on that yesterday" regarding the Epstein list and assured that "a lot of documents" would be released soon.
She tied this commitment to a "very strong directive" from President Trump, suggesting that the administration intends to follow through on campaign promises to disclose more about Epstein’s network. Bondi reiterated Trump’s stance, saying, "Donald Trump doesn't make empty promises. I think promises made, promises kept," signaling a priority to address public demand for transparency in this high-profile case.
This push aligns with broader efforts within the Trump administration. A congressional task force, led by Representative Anna Paulina Luna, was established in February 2025 to declassify various federal secrets, explicitly including Epstein’s "client list" alongside files on the JFK assassination, 9/11, and other topics. Bondi has been directly involved, with Luna noting that the task force has already initiated communications with the Department of Justice, where Bondi now serves as Attorney General. Additionally, Senator Marsha Blackburn has been a vocal advocate for releasing Epstein’s flight logs and other records, pressing Trump’s FBI director nominee, Kash Patel, during his confirmation process to support this effort.
The "Epstein list" in question likely refers to a rumored comprehensive roster of individuals who engaged with Epstein’s illicit activities, though no such definitive list has been officially confirmed. Previous document releases, such as the 900 pages unsealed in January 2024 by a New York judge, named numerous associates—including Trump, Bill Clinton, and Prince Andrew—but were not a "client list" in the conspiratorial sense often circulated online. Many named were not accused of wrongdoing, and their connections were often tangential.
Bondi’s review could potentially involve these existing files, Epstein’s "black book" of contacts (parts of which are already public), flight logs from his private jet (the "Lolita Express"), or additional unreleased evidence held by the FBI or DOJ from Epstein’s 2019 federal case.
Critics and supporters alike are watching closely. Bondi’s past as Florida Attorney General (2011–2019) has drawn scrutiny, with some alleging she was lenient on Epstein during his 2008 plea deal, though no definitive evidence supports her direct involvement in that decision, which was handled by federal prosecutors and Florida state attorneys before her tenure. Her current stance appears to counter such narratives, positioning her as an advocate for disclosure. However, legal challenges could arise if individuals named in the files contest their release, claiming privacy rights or irrelevance to Epstein’s crimes. 17GEN4.com
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