Bondi accused of lying about Trump, Epstein at tense hearing

Driving the news: Bondi repeatedly clashed with Democrats over the Justice Department's handling of the Epstein files and accusations that the administration is pursuing retribution against Trump's political opponents.

• Bondi's roughly five-hour testimony descended into a shouting match multiple times, including with Ranking Member Jamie Raskin (D-Md.).
• Republicans largely asked her softball questions, and Bondi responded in a more measured way than she did when addressing Democrats.
• The DOJ did not respond to Axios' request for comment.

Lying under oath

Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) asked Bondi whether any underage girls were present for any parties that Trump attended with Epstein. Bondi responded that "there is no evidence that Donald Trump has committed a crime."

• Lieu accused Bondi of lying under oath, saying a witness swore the president raped a woman and that the DOJ failed to investigate the claims.
• "Don't you ever accuse me" of lying, Bondi fired back.

What they're saying: The White House pointed to a Justice Department statement that some of the released files may include "fake or falsely submitted images, documents or videos" — including about Trump.

• "To be clear, the claims are unfounded and false, and if they have a shred of credibility, they certainly would have been weaponized against President Trump already," it concludes.

Trump has denied any wrongdoing tied to the Epstein case. The DOJ has said there are no active investigations into any other individuals at this time.

Ignoring Epstein survivors

Rep. Raskin accused Bondi of ignoring survivors and running a "massive Epstein coverup" at the DOJ.

• Bondi later apologized to survivors, saying that she was "deeply sorry" for the abuse they suffered, calling Epstein a "monster."

Soon after, Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) asked survivors in the room to stand up during her line of questioning.

• "If you are willing, please raise your hands if you have still not been able to meet with this Department of Justice," Jayapal asked.
• Jayapal said every survivor present raised their hand.

Weaponized justice system

Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) mentioned the DOJ's repeated failure to indict New York Attorney General Letitia James, calling it "humiliating" for the department.

• He also criticized the DOJ's investigations into Fed chair Jerome Powell, Fed Governor Lisa Cook and former FBI director James Comey before asking Bondi how many individuals whose "disgusting criminality" was revealed in the Epstein files have been indicted under her watch.
• "I'm not going to get in the gutter with these people," Bondi said, asking Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) to allow her to answer after Nadler cut her off.

Domestic terrorism allegations

Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pa.) asked Bondi how the DOJ is complying with Trump's controversial memo on countering "domestic terrorism and organized political violence" that specifically singles out Democratic Party donors and the "radical left."

• "Will you commit to provide the committee with your list of entities that you recommend be designated as domestic terrorist organizations?" Scanlon asked.
• Bondi said the DOJ will follow the law in all matters, later adding that she was "not going to commit to anything to you because you won't let me answer questions."

Scanlon noted that when the U.S. designates an organization as a foreign terrorist, it must notify Congress and allow the entity the opportunity to contest the designation.

Axios' Jason Lalljee contributed reporting to this story.

Go deeper: DOJ omitted communication from Bondi, Patel in Epstein files, watchdog says

Editor's note: This story has been updated with comment from the White House.