As pressure intensifies around the unreleased files tied to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Attorney General Pam Bondi has now found herself at the center of a heated public exchange this week, reportedly facing sharp criticism from journalist Tara Palmeri.
Palmeri, a veteran political correspondent and co-founder of the outlet Puck, accused Bondi of engaging in a calculated effort to “cover up her own lack of credibility and knowledge” in her televised defense of officials withholding Epstein-related documents.
Appearing on NewsNation, Bondi had defended the federal government’s position, arguing that the release of the full trove of Epstein materials could compromise ongoing legal matters and privacy protections.
“There’s nothing behind her talking points,” Palmeri said bluntly during an appearance on CNN. “She’s out of her depth and trying to bluff her way through one of the most explosive scandals in recent political memory.”
Palmeri’s remarks reflect a growing chorus of critics who allege that Bondi, now a regular presence on cable news and a vocal ally of President Donald J. Trump, has inserted herself into the ongoing controversy in a manner that raises questions about her objectivity and judgment.
Pam Bondi has about as much credibility on the Epstein case as a reply on a Reddit thread. That might sound outrageous, considering she’s the top law enforcement official in the federal government. But the truth is, she’s out of her depth—and trying to cover it up. @TMZ… pic.twitter.com/zqwsLhqcyz
— Tara Palmeri (@tarapalmeri) July 8, 2025
Bondi, who served as Florida’s top prosecutor from 2011 to 2019, has denied that her office ever mishandled any matters related to Epstein, whose sprawling network of alleged co-conspirators and high-profile associates continues to draw public fascination and outrage.
She has insisted that the current federal handling of the Epstein documents—many of which remain sealed or heavily redacted—is grounded in legal precedent.
Yet that stance has frustrated both journalists and activists pressing for transparency. Advocates for victims of Epstein’s trafficking operation say the government’s sluggish release of records risks obscuring the truth and shielding influential figures.
While Bondi has not directly responded to Palmeri’s latest critique, her defenders argue that she is merely emphasizing the legal complexities involved.
Still, the episode has highlighted a broader rift between transparency advocates and political figures wary of the potential consequences that a full accounting of Epstein’s ties might bring.
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