In a bold move that could have major implications for the transparency of the U.S. government, Attorney General Pam Bondi revealed Thursday that the FBI has withheld thousands of pages of crucial documents tied to their investigation of the notorious sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. The documents, which Bondi insists must be released by Friday morning, could potentially expose critical details about Epstein’s sprawling criminal enterprise.
Bondi’s claims are based on a tip-off from a source inside the FBI’s New York office, who indicated that the bureau has kept “thousands of pages” of records under wraps, despite her repeated requests for full access. According to Bondi, only a small fraction of the documents—approximately 200 pages—were made available to her. These initial files included flight logs, phone numbers, and victim names, but it’s clear that the FBI is still holding back significant information.
Bondi addressed FBI Director Kash Patel in a letter demanding the immediate release of the remaining files. “There will be no withholdings or limitations to my or your access,” Bondi vowed, signaling her determination to ensure that the full truth of Epstein’s crimes is brought to light.
While Bondi has pushed for the documents to be released, Republican lawmakers have also stepped up their efforts to prevent any further cover-ups. Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) has introduced a bill that would prevent the destruction of non-public records related to Epstein at the Department of Justice. Ogles’ proposed legislation, called the Preventing Epstein Documentation Obliteration Act, or the PEDO Act, is a direct response to reports that certain FBI agents are allegedly attempting to destroy critical files.
Ogles, in a letter to Bondi, stated that he would assist in any way possible to ensure the expeditious release of Epstein-related documents, calling for “radical transparency” in the investigation. “Our constituents deserve nothing less than radical transparency in matters implicating the integrity of our justice system,” Ogles wrote.
Adding fuel to the fire, Garret O’Boyle, a former FBI special agent turned whistleblower, recently claimed in an interview on conservative influencer Benny Johnson’s podcast that there has been a concerted effort within the FBI to destroy files related to Epstein. “I can only speculate, but you mentioned the Epstein list,” O’Boyle said. “I’d imagine it’s cases like that.”
The FBI currently has some Epstein files available to the public on its website, and reports indicate that the Justice Department is preparing to release an additional 100 pages of Epstein’s personal address book. But Bondi hinted during a Fox News appearance that the new release would be just the tip of the iceberg. She warned that the details of Epstein’s abuse of more than 250 victims would “make you sick.”
Republican lawmakers have also been vocal in their calls for transparency regarding Epstein’s trafficking ring. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) took to social media to express her frustration with the delays, pointing out that “for years, my efforts to crack the Epstein trafficking ring wide open have been stonewalled by Democrats.” She vowed that, under FBI Director Kash Patel, the full Epstein files would finally be released.
Patel, who committed to Blackburn during his confirmation hearing to reveal the full truth about Epstein’s crimes, is now under increasing pressure to make good on that promise. With mounting public outrage over the handling of Epstein’s case and the growing push from lawmakers, it seems that the demand for transparency will not be silenced any longer.
As the FBI faces increasing scrutiny over its handling of the Epstein case, one thing is clear: the American people deserve answers, and those responsible for withholding them must be held accountable.
