WASHINGTON D.C (VINnews)-Attorney General Pam Bondi engaged in heated exchanges with Democratic lawmakers on the House Judiciary Committee during an oversight hearing Wednesday focused on the Department of Justice’s handling of Jeffrey Epstein-related files and other matters.

The session, which featured testimony from Bondi on DOJ operations, grew contentious as committee Democrats pressed her on the release of Epstein documents, alleged cover-ups, and the department’s priorities. Tensions escalated during questioning involving Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., and Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., the committee’s ranking member.

At one point, Bondi accused Democrats of engaging in theatrics amid interruptions and overlapping questions. According to accounts from the hearing and video clips shared online, Bondi remarked, “Here we go with the theatrics,” during exchanges with Nadler.

When Raskin interjected, stating, “I told you, Attorney General—” in reference to procedural matters or prior warnings, Bondi responded sharply: “You don’t tell me ANYTHING, you washed up—you’re not even a lawyer!”

Raskin, a former constitutional law professor, has practiced law and served as a litigator before entering Congress.

The back-and-forth occurred amid broader Democratic criticism of Bondi’s leadership, including accusations that the DOJ was not adequately pursuing Epstein co-conspirators or addressing victim concerns. Democrats also highlighted the presence of Epstein survivors in the hearing room, with some urging Bondi to address them directly.

Bondi defended the department’s actions, rejecting claims of cover-ups and emphasizing ongoing work. Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, oversaw the proceedings, which included discussions on other issues such as immigration enforcement and past prosecutions.

The hearing underscored ongoing partisan divisions over the Justice Department’s direction under the current administration. No immediate policy changes were announced as a result of the session.

Bondi, a former Florida attorney general, was confirmed as U.S. attorney general in early 2025 following her nomination by President Trump.