Attorney General Pam Bondi responded to a question about the alleged missing minute in video footage released by the Department of Justice meant to prove that Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide.
At a White House Cabinet meeting, Bondi explained the apparent gap in the video, saying it was the result of an outdated recording system that resets nightly.
"What we learned from the Bureau of Prisons, every night they redo that video. It's old from like 1999. Every night the video is reset. Every night should have the same minute missing. So we're looking for that video to release it as well, showing that a minute is missing every night. That's it on Epstein," Bondi said.
Why It Matters
The long-anticipated memo released Monday by the Department of Justice concluded that Epstein died by suicide in his Manhattan cell in 2019, echoing earlier findings by federal and city investigators. The memo also rejected the existence of a so-called "client list" found no evidence of blackmail among influential figures.
"This systematic review revealed no incriminating 'client list,'" the DOJ wrote in the memo.
"There was also no credible evidence found that Epstein blackmailed prominent individuals as part of his actions. We did not uncover evidence that could predicate an investigation against uncharged third parties," the DOJ said.
What To Know
Bondi has faced criticism from both the President Donald Trump ' allies and opponents over her handling of the investigation. The belief that Epstein kept a "client list" implicating powerful figures has become widely accepted in some circles. Key Republican Lawmakers have treated it as a fact and demanded its release.
Much of that belief stemmed from Bondi herself. In a February appearance on Fox News , she was asked whether the Justice Department would release a list of Epstein's clients.
"It's sitting on my desk right now to review. That's been a directive from President Trump. I'm reviewing that," she said.
When asked later about the interview, Bondi called it a "misunderstanding."
In February, I did an interview on Fox That got a lot of attention because I was asked about the client list. My response was, "It's sitting on my desk to be reviewed." What I meant was the file—along with the JFK and MLK files. That's what I was referring to," she said.
At the Cabinet meeting, with Trump sitting next to her, he lashed out at the reporter who asked about Epstein, criticizing the question before Bondi could respond.
"Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein?" ... "I can't believe you're asking a question about Epstein at a time like this, when we're having some of the greatest success and also tragedy with what happened in Texas. It just seems like a desecration," Trump said.
The president's response appeared to signal his continued support for Bondi even as she faces questions following the DOJ memo.
The memo noted that while over a thousand victims were identified in Epstein's crimes, the review uncovered no evidence implicating uncharged third parties or proving that prominent figures were blackmailed.
Why Some Believe in a Jeffrey Epstein 'Cover-Up'
Despite the DOJ's findings, skepticism persists among some of Trump's supporters and critics. Far-right activist Laura Loomer criticized Bondi on social media, saying, "If she doesn't get fired over this Epstein memo, people are going to be so black pilled," suggesting the administration was hiding the truth.
Former Leader of the Department of Government Efficiency Elon Musk also weighed in, posting on X, formerly Twitter , "What's the time? Oh look, it's no-one-has-been-arrested-o'clock again," expressing frustration at the lack of prosecutions.
In June, amid a public feud with Trump over domestic policy, Musk claimed without evidence that the president's name appeared in the unreleased Epstein files, alleging that this was the reason for their non-disclosure.
What People Are Saying
Conservative activist Robby Starbuck, on X: "Pam Bondi said the Epstein client list was on her desk to review for release to the public just a few months ago. Now the DOJ she leads claims that there's no Epstein client list. Sorry but this is unacceptable. Was she lying then or is she lying now? We deserve answers."
Miami Herald journalist Julie K. Brown, one of the best-sourced reporters on the Epstein case, reported earlier this year: "Those who have worked with the FBI on the case for decades say there is no evidence Epstein kept a ledger or a list of clients who were involved with his sex trafficking operation.
President Donald Trump, commenting on Elon Musk's claim, told NBC News in June: "That's called 'old news.' That's been old news. That has been talked about for years. Even Epstein's lawyer said I had nothing to do with it. It's old news."
What Happens Next
The memo stated that "no further disclosure" of records related to Epstein would be "appropriate or warranted."
Update 7/8/25, 1:28 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
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