Bondi Faces Mounting Pressure to Release Epstein Client List

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi is under increasing scrutiny to release long-awaited documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, including the so-called “client list” tied to the late financier’s criminal activities. Bondi confirmed last Friday, February 21, that the materials are “sitting on my desk right now,” a statement that has intensified demands for transparency as she acts on a directive from President Donald Trump.

The push for disclosure has gained momentum from multiple fronts. Republican lawmakers, including Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Representative Tim Burchett (R-TN), have vocally supported releasing the names of Epstein’s associates—particularly those linked to his private island or the “Lolita Express” plane. Blackburn has framed the move as critical to dismantling Epstein’s sex trafficking network, while Burchett has seized on Trump’s return to office to renew his calls for action.

Speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on February 20, Bondi underscored Trump’s commitment, declaring that he “doesn’t make empty promises” and that she is following his “strong directive.” She has argued that individuals named in the documents—unless they are victims, minors, or cooperating defendants—lack a legal basis to shield their identities. Yet, despite her assurances, the files remain unreleased as of Tuesday morning, prompting questions from lawmakers like Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) and Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) about the holdup.

“On Feb 11 and Feb 19, house oversight sent a letter to the DOJ asking for status on releasing the Epstein files as well as JFK, etc. The DOJ has not responded,” Luna posted on X.

“Reaching out on X because we can’t seem to get a response from the AG. @AGPamBondi what is the status of the documents? These documents were ordered to be declassified.”

Governor Ron DeSantis (R), who signed HB 117 into law in 2024 which made Epstein’s Palm Beach County court documents publicly available at the state level, has been a strong supporter of the release, declaring, “The public deserves to know who participated in Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking,” and “Nobody should be protected from facing justice due to their wealth or status.”