Pam Bondi, Other DOJ Officials Now Face Legal Action, Impeachment Over Missing Epstein Files: ‘They Cannot Hide the Truth’

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer escalated the fight over the Jeffrey Epstein files on Monday, announcing plans to introduce a resolution authorizing the Senate to pursue legal action against the Justice Department for failing to fully comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act.

The move comes after the DOJ missed the December 19 deadline for complete disclosure, released only a partial set of documents, and then temporarily removed removed several files—including one featuring a photograph of President Donald Trump without explanation.

Schumer’s resolution, if approved, would empower the Senate to seek a federal court order compelling the Justice Department to release all remaining materials.

In a strongly worded statement, Schumer declared: “I am introducing a resolution directing the Senate to initiate legal action against DoJ for its blatant disregard of the law in its refusal to release the complete Epstein files. The American people deserve full transparency, and Senate Democrats will use every tool at our disposal to ensure they get it. This administration cannot be allowed to hide the truth.”

The announcement marks a significant escalation in the ongoing battle over the Epstein documents, which were mandated for full public release by the Transparency Act that Congress passed with bipartisan support and Trump signed into law in November.

The law required the DOJ to disclose all related records by December 19, yet the department posted only a portion of the files on Friday, describing it as “the first phase.”

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What Went Missing—and Why It Matters

According to the Associated Press, at least 16 files disappeared from the DOJ’s dedicated Epstein webpage between Friday and Saturday, with no public notice or explanation.

Among the missing documents was a photograph showing a credenza and drawers containing images of Trump alongside Epstein, Melania Trump, and Ghislaine Maxwell. The files were restored Sunday after public outcry, but the DOJ has offered no official account of the removal or the delay in full compliance.

The temporary disappearance of the Trump-related photo fueled speculation about selective withholding, especially given the political sensitivity surrounding any Epstein connections. While the restored image does not depict misconduct, its brief removal has intensified accusations of obstruction.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche defended the limited release on NBC’s Meet the Press Sunday, insisting it was necessary “to protect victims.” He dismissed critics, saying they “apparently don’t want us to protect victims.”

Legal experts, however, argue the partial release and subsequent removal violate the Transparency Act, which requires written explanations for any withheld documents within 15 days. The DOJ has not yet provided such justifications.

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Democratic Arsenal – Lawsuits, Contempt and Impeachment Threats

Schumer’s resolution is only the opening salvo. Democrats are exploring multiple avenues to force compliance: Congress could seek a court order compelling release of the remaining files. The House or Senate could vote to hold Attorney General Pam Bondi or Deputy AG Blanche in contempt, potentially allowing the Sergeant at Arms to detain them until compliance.

Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), co-author of the Transparency Act, has called for impeachment against Bondi. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez echoed the call, while Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) described the release as “inadequate” and demanded immediate explanations.

House Minority Leader Jeffries, appearing on ABC’s This Week, emphasized that the DOJ must provide written justification for any withheld documents within 15 days. “This falls short of what the law requires,” he said.

Former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani noted that while Congress could pursue contempt, any referral would go to the DOJ itself, making prosecution unlikely.

Trial lawyer Eric Faddis added that contempt votes could lead to detention, and obstruction or evidence tampering could trigger federal charges. Impeachment, he said, remains a viable option if noncompliance persists.

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Republican Silence and Internal Tensions

Republicans have been largely silent on the missing files. Some conservative voices, including Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), co-author of the Transparency Act, have publicly highlighted the missed deadline, posting screenshots of the law’s requirements on social media.

The lack of GOP pushback has fueled accusations that party leaders are protecting Trump and his associates from potentially damaging revelations. Trump has long denied wrongdoing in connection with Epstein, despite documented social ties.

The Epstein files have been a political flashpoint since Epstein’s 2019 death and Maxwell’s 2021 conviction. The Transparency Act was passed with bipartisan support precisely to address public demands for accountability.

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The DOJ’s failure to meet the deadline has intensified calls for oversight. Legal experts note that while victim protection is a legitimate concern, the law requires transparency and justification for redactions.

For Democrats, the issue offers a powerful political weapon heading into 2026: accusing Republicans of obstructing transparency and shielding powerful figures. For Republicans, continued delays or incomplete releases risk alienating voters who demand accountability.

One thing is clear: the DOJ’s incomplete release has ignited a firestorm that shows no signs of fading. With legal action, contempt threats, and impeachment calls on the table, the administration now faces mounting pressure to deliver the full truth or face the consequences.