Attorney General Pam Bondi's appearance before Congress,
focused on the so-called "Epstein Files," descended into chaos on
Wednesday after a heated exchange with Democratic Representative Becca Balint,
who stormed out of the chamber visibly upset.
During her testimony, Bondi asserted that she never had any
conversations with former Attorney General Merrick Garland about Jeffrey
Epstein. "I did not ask Merrick Garland anything about Epstein, not
once..." she stated, attempting to clarify her position regarding previous
investigations into the case.
However, the statement provoked an immediate reaction from
Balint, who interrupted from her seat in obvious disbelief. "That's
outrageous! That's outrageous!" she exclaimed, raising her voice and
making her disagreement with the presented version of events clear.
Tensions escalated further when Bondi added another point,
requesting that it be noted on the record that Balint had voted against a resolution
condemning antisemitism, in the context of what she described as a growing
“antisemitic culture.” That comment definitely ignited the atmosphere.
Balint responded angrily, questioning the attorney general’s
insinuation and invoking her family history. “You want to go on that topic,
attorney general? You want to go on that topic? Really? Talk about antisemitism
with a woman who lost her grandfather in the Holocaust? Really?” she retorted,
visibly indignant.
The exchange momentarily halted the proceedings. Shortly
afterward, the legislator rose from her seat and left the room, leaving behind
a confrontational atmosphere that underscored the political and emotional
sensitivity surrounding any discussion related to the Epstein case.