By Trendsetter Tribune 
CNN senior legal analyst Elie Honig did not hold back in his assessment of Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Wednesday appearance before the House Judiciary Committee, labeling the high-stakes hearing an “embarrassment to the Justice Department” and a complete “fiasco.”
Speaking with Dana Bash on Inside Politics, the former federal prosecutor argued that Bondi’s combative performance prioritized personal insults over providing the American public with substantive answers on critical issues.
Lack of Transparency and Substance
Honig criticized Bondi for failing to offer “meaningful clarity” on several pressing investigations, specifically noting that the Attorney General relied on partisan rhetoric rather than facts.
- The Epstein Files: Honig pointed out that despite the presence of sexual abuse survivors in the room, the hearing yielded no new information regarding the DOJ’s “sloppy” and “incomplete” release of the Jeffrey Epstein records.
- Domestic Investigations: The analyst noted a total lack of updates on significant cases, including alleged fraud in Minnesota, the search warrant in Fulton County, and the department’s general loss of credibility among federal judges.
- The “Jekyll and Hyde” Routine: Honig echoed the frustrations of lawmakers like Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA), noting that Bondi oscillated between praising the President and mocking her questioners.
Key Confrontations Highlighted
The hearing was defined by several explosive exchanges that Honig characterized as “amateurish”:
- Bondi vs. Raskin: During a particularly heated moment, Bondi dismissed Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD)—a former constitutional law professor—as a “washed-up loser lawyer,” suggesting the committee should instead be discussing the success of the stock market.
- The Refusal to Apologize: When Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) asked the Attorney General to turn and apologize to the Epstein survivors seated behind her for exposing their private identities in public files, Bondi refused. She labeled the request “theatrics” and stated she would not “get in the gutter” with her critics.
A Department in Turmoil
Honig’s critique reflects a broader concern regarding the independence of the Justice Department under the current administration. He argued that the AG’s office has become more focused on protecting the President’s legacy than on upholding the standards of the office.
“Did we learn anything new? No, it’s been name-calling. It’s an embarrassment to the Justice Department what we’re seeing from Pam Bondi.” — Elie Honig