Pam Bondi Refused To Apologize to the Epstein Survivors: How Can Our Department of Justice Be THIS Pathetic?

Opinion piece

By Yunielis Vargas

2/13/26

On Wednesday, February 11th, 2026, a four-and-a-half-hour congressional hearing occurred where Pam Bondi, the U.S. Attorney General, sat before Congress in what was supposed to be a hearing centered on transparency and accountability— but instead of feeling like a space for real answers, the hearing came across as an argument that will never find a resolution. 

As I watched the meeting unfold, it became clear how quickly serious issues can get lost in partisanship. Survivors were present in the room, their experiences representing the real reason this conversation matters, yet much of the focus shifted toward praise for Donald Trump by Bondi, personal attacks, and deflection. As the hearing was long and seemed like progress would be made, it was a long, 4 and a half hours of arguing and redirected questions with misleading answers. 

When Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) asked Pam Bondi to turn around to face the Epstein survivors and apologize for what her Department of Justice has put them through with the "absolutely unacceptable release of the Epstein Files and their information,” Bondi redirected the question by saying, “Congresswoman, you sat before Merrick Garland sat in this chair twice. Twice, no, can I finish my answer?” Rep. Jayapal reclaimed her time and specifically stated that this was a question for Pam Bondi and her Department of Justice. 

Pam Bondi (U.S. Attorney General) sits amongst survivors, refusing their questions.

Back to the point of immature arguments over such serious topics, Pam Bondi refuses to take accountability for what her Department of Justice has put the Epstein survivors through.

What stood out most was the contrast between what needed to be discussed and how it all got dismissed. This case is not just another political talking point; it represents years of harm, unanswered questions, and people still waiting for justice.