WASHINGTON — President Trump has forcefully come to the defense of Attorney General Pam Bondi following a high-stakes, combative hearing before the House Judiciary Committee on February 11, 2026. Bondi faced intense scrutiny from both sides of the aisle over the Justice Department’s handling of investigative files related to the late Jeffrey Epstein.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The “Moron” vs. The “America First” AG
- The “Moron” Jab: During the National Prayer Breakfast last week, Trump publicly labeled Massie a “moron” and a “lowlife,” citing Massie’s frequent status as the lone Republican vote against party-backed legislation.
- Primary Warfare: Trump has officially thrown his support behind retired Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein to primary Massie in Kentucky’s 4th District, signaling a total break with the libertarian-leaning congressman.
- The “Derangement” Defense: In the hearing, Bondi mirrored Trump’s rhetoric, accusing Massie of having “Trump Derangement Syndrome” after he caught a major redaction error regarding billionaire Leslie Wexner.
Heat from the Democrats
Bondi did not hold back against Democratic critics, specifically Rep. Pramila Jayapal and Rep. Jamie Raskin.
- Refusal to Apologize: When asked to apologize to Epstein survivors seated in the gallery for the DOJ’s disclosure of victims’ names in the files, Bondi refused, labeling the request “theatrics” and personal attacks.
- “Washed-up Loser”: In a particularly sharp exchange, Bondi called Rep. Raskin a “washed-up loser lawyer,” as she defended the DOJ’s decision to redact the names of powerful associates while accidentally leaving victim identities exposed.
Key Points of Contention
| Issue | The Administration’s Stance (Bondi/Trump) | The Critics’ Stance (Massie/Democrats) |
| Epstein Redactions | DOJ “did the best they could” under a tight timeline; claims of cover-ups are “hoaxes.” | Accuse DOJ of protecting “powerful men” while “outing” victims. |
| Party Loyalty | Expects 100% GOP unity; views dissent as betrayal. | Massie argues a congressman “does not work for the commander in chief.” |
| DOJ Independence | Reframing the DOJ to pursue “America First” goals and investigate political adversaries. | Accuse Bondi of turning the DOJ into Trump’s personal “law firm.” |
What’s Next?
The political fallout continues as Massie and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) push for a “special master” to review the files without DOJ interference. Meanwhile, the Kentucky primary on May 19, 2026, is shaping up to be a proxy war between the MAGA establishment and the “Liberty” wing of the GOP.
