Attorney General Bondi Demands Full Release of Epstein Files, Accuses FBI of Withholding Key Documents
Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi has launched a scathing attack on the FBI, accusing the agency of deliberately concealing thousands of pages of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. In a sharply worded letter addressed to newly appointed FBI Director Kash Patel, Bondi demanded the immediate release of the complete Epstein files, asserting that the agency had previously provided her office with an incomplete and misleading account of the available evidence.
Bondi’s letter, released Thursday, alleges that the FBI had only provided her office with approximately 200 pages of Epstein-related documents despite repeated assurances that this constituted the entirety of the relevant files. This revelation came as a shock to Bondi, especially considering that a significantly larger volume of documents had been released in a civil lawsuit involving Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s former lover and convicted accomplice.
"I repeatedly questioned whether this was the full set of documents responsive to my request and was repeatedly assured by the FBI that we had received the full set of documents," Bondi wrote, expressing her disbelief and frustration. "Late yesterday, I learned from a source that the FBI Field Office in New York was in possession of thousands of pages of documents related to the investigation and indictment of Epstein."
Bondi contends that the FBI never disclosed the existence of these additional files, prompting her to issue an ultimatum. She demanded that the agency deliver the complete Epstein files to her office by 8:00 a.m. on Friday, February 28, including all records, documents, audio and video recordings, and materials related to Jeffrey Epstein and his clients, regardless of how such information was obtained.
"There will be no withholdings or limitations to my or your access," Bondi asserted, emphasizing the importance of full transparency and accountability in this matter.
The Attorney General’s office later released a statement clarifying that Bondi had specifically requested the "full and complete" Epstein files from the FBI. The discrepancy between the 200 pages initially provided and the thousands of pages later discovered raises serious questions about the agency’s handling of the investigation and its commitment to transparency.
The FBI, already facing a lawsuit alleging its failure to adequately investigate credible allegations against Epstein decades ago, has yet to issue an official response to Bondi’s accusations. The agency’s silence has only fueled speculation and heightened concerns about the potential scope and implications of the concealed documents.
However, Director Kash Patel, in a statement posted on X, addressed the situation directly, vowing to usher in a new era of transparency and accountability within the FBI.
"There will be no cover-ups, no missing documents, and no stone left unturned—and anyone from the prior or current Bureau who undermines this will be swiftly pursued," Patel wrote, signaling a firm commitment to uncovering the truth. "If there are gaps, we will find them. If records have been hidden, we will uncover them. And we will bring everything we find to the DOJ to be fully assessed and transparently disseminated to the American people as it should be."
Patel’s pledge to prioritize transparency and accountability has been met with cautious optimism, as many observers remain skeptical about the FBI’s willingness to fully disclose the extent of its knowledge regarding the Epstein case.
Bondi has also taken steps to ensure the proper handling of the released documents. While she is determined to make the information public, she has emphasized that sensitive information about the victims will be redacted before any disclosures are made. This measure aims to protect the privacy and well-being of the individuals who were victimized by Epstein’s horrific crimes.
In addition to demanding the release of the full Epstein files, Bondi has also ordered an internal investigation into the matter, seeking to determine why the FBI initially provided an incomplete set of documents. She has also instructed Director Patel to propose "personnel action" within two weeks, suggesting that disciplinary measures may be taken against those responsible for withholding the information.
Bondi had previously indicated that a batch of Epstein-related documents would be released on Thursday afternoon. However, it was understood that this initial release would not contain significant new information. The focus remains on the thousands of pages of documents that the FBI is accused of concealing.
The unfolding controversy surrounding the Epstein files has reignited public outrage and intensified scrutiny of the individuals and institutions involved in the case. The potential release of the complete files could expose new details about Epstein’s network of associates and the extent of their involvement in his criminal activities. The possibility of prominent figures being implicated in the scandal has further heightened public interest and speculation.
The outcome of this situation remains uncertain. It is unclear whether the FBI will comply with Bondi’s demand and release the full Epstein files by the deadline. It is also unclear what the documents will reveal and what consequences will follow from their release. One thing is clear: the pursuit of justice for Epstein’s victims and the demand for transparency in this case are far from over.
