Pam Bondi’s leadership of the Department of Justice may face increased scrutiny related to the Jeffrey Epstein case, following an appeal by Epstein’s former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell.
Maxwell, the British socialite and former associate of Prince Andrew, was sentenced to 20 years in prison in June 2022 for her role in Epstein’s sex trafficking operation. She has since appealed her conviction to the Supreme Court.
The Trump administration’s response to Maxwell’s appeal is due by July 14, a critical moment for Bondi, who leads the DOJ as Attorney General.
Why It Matters
Bondi has faced fierce criticism from within President Donald Trump’s MAGA base after a recent DOJ and FBI report stated there was no “client list” implicating prominent individuals and no evidence that Epstein blackmailed public figures. This contradicted Bondi’s February comments suggesting such a document was on her desk, prompting accusations of a cover-up. The White House later clarified she was referring more broadly to Epstein files.
What to Know
Epstein, accused of abusing hundreds of girls, died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial. Allegations have long claimed Epstein forced victims to have sex with powerful friends, but none of those individuals, including Bill Clinton, Donald Trump, and Prince Andrew, have been charged. Both Trump and Clinton have denied knowledge of Epstein’s crimes.
Trump administration officials initially suggested new revelations or cases might emerge from a review of Epstein files ordered by the President in 2025. However, the DOJ and FBI memo released last week indicated no new cases would arise and no evidence supported claims of blackmail.
“This systematic review revealed no incriminating ‘client list,’” the memo stated. “There was also no credible evidence found that Epstein blackmailed prominent individuals as part of his actions.”
This conclusion has fueled outrage among MAGA commentators and intensified pressure on Bondi regarding Maxwell’s appeal.
Ghislaine Maxwell’s Appeal
Maxwell’s legal team argues that she should never have been prosecuted due to a 2008 non-prosecution agreement between Epstein and Florida prosecutors, which promised no prosecution of Epstein’s co-conspirators.
Her filing, reviewed by Newsweek, contends that prosecuting Maxwell violates this agreement and highlights inconsistencies in how different federal circuits interpret such promises, urging the Supreme Court to address the issue.
D. John Sauer, Trump’s nominee for Solicitor General, has twice requested extensions to file the administration’s response, with the current deadline set for July 14.
Public Reaction
Conservative media figures like Megyn Kelly have publicly blamed Bondi for the unfolding Epstein controversy. Speaking at the Turning Point USA Student Action Summit, Kelly called the situation a “hornet’s nest” and accused Bondi of incompetence for promising the release of Epstein files that have not materialized.
Kelly further criticized other DOJ officials for staying silent on Epstein, contrasting that with Bondi’s repeated public statements suggesting imminent revelations.
On social media, Trump defended Bondi, calling her efforts “FANTASTIC” and blaming “selfish people” for trying to harm the administration over Epstein, whom he described as “a guy who never dies.”
What Happens Next
The DOJ will either submit its response to Maxwell’s appeal or request a further extension. A filing outlining this decision is expected soon.
