Two lawmakers are turning up the heat on Attorney General Pam Bondi over the slow release of the Epstein files.
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) are threatening inherent contempt against Bondi for failing to fully comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, as detailed by the Washington Examiner.
Khanna laid out a clear ultimatum, offering a 30-day grace period for the Department of Justice to release all documents. He warned of fines up to $5,000 per day if Bondi continues to drag her feet on this critical issue.
The Epstein Files Transparency Act, cosponsored by Khanna and Massie, was signed into law by President Donald Trump on Nov. 19. Yet, the DOJ's initial rollout on Friday, followed by redactions and removals by Saturday evening, has sparked sharp criticism from both lawmakers.
Massie accused the DOJ of "flouting" the spirit of the law with their selective release. Khanna echoed this frustration, bluntly stating Bondi is "already in violation" of the mandated timeline.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, however, insists the DOJ is fully compliant, claiming documents were pulled to honor a court order protecting victims’ concerns. This explanation hasn’t swayed the lawmakers, who see it as a convenient shield for unnecessary delays.
Khanna revealed on MS Now Monday morning that bipartisan support exists for holding Bondi accountable through inherent contempt. He noted, "There are a few Republicans who are on board with it," signaling a rare cross-aisle agreement on transparency.
This isn’t about political games or personal vendettas, as Khanna emphasized his focus is on the survivors. "Lives were traumatized. They want these documents out," he said, framing the fight as a moral imperative over bureaucratic stonewalling.
Massie, speaking to CBS on Sunday, confirmed they’re drafting a plan to wield congressional contempt powers. The duo’s resolve shows no sign of wavering as they push for unredacted truth over filtered releases.
Khanna’s passion for the issue shines through when he speaks of the survivors he’s come to know. He clarified, "My goal is not to destroy Pam Bondi... my goal is that, on a personal level, these documents need to come out," putting human impact above political sparring.
The Epstein case has long been a wound in the public trust, with many believing the full story remains buried under layers of red tape. Lawmakers like Khanna and Massie argue that half-measures in disclosure only deepen that distrust.
The DOJ’s promise of staggered rollouts over coming weeks feels like a sidestep to critics. If survivors are pleading for clarity, why should bureaucrats dictate the pace of justice?
This standoff raises a broader question about who controls the narrative in cases of profound public interest. When government agencies cherry-pick what to reveal, it fuels skepticism about whether the powerful are ever truly held to account.
Khanna and Massie’s push for inherent contempt isn’t just a procedural jab; it’s a demand that the system stop hiding behind excuses. If Bondi and the DOJ don’t act swiftly, they risk cementing the perception of a cover-up, deserved or not.
The Epstein files aren’t mere paperwork; they’re a ledger of pain and unanswered questions for survivors seeking closure. Let’s hope the threat of daily fines and congressional action lights a fire under those tasked with delivering transparency, because half-truths serve no one.
