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Pam Bondi fired: Epstein survivors say ex-AG ‘failed us,’ urge more transparency; ‘thank you karma’
After Pam Bondi's firing, Epstein survivors said ex-AG mishandled Epstein files, withheld pages, exposed identities, and worsened trauma of victims.
Pam Bondi was dismissed as US Attorney General on Thursday, April 2. President Donald Trump announced the decision which many believe was influenced by her controversial handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files.
However, the decision drew strong reactions from survivors of Epstein’s sexual abuse and trafficking network. And many of whom have long criticized Bondi for mismanaging the release of documents that could shed light on the case.
Survivors call Bondi’s tenure a failure
A coalition of survivors released a statement following the news, saying, “Attorney General Pam Bondi failed survivors. Under her leadership, the Department of Justice mishandled the release of the Epstein Files, leaving millions of pages withheld from the public while serious redaction errors exposed survivors' identities. These failures put survivors at risk, eroded trust, and compounded the trauma we have lived with for years.”
The statement added, “We came forward with courage and hope for justice, but under Attorney General Bondi's leadership, we were met with secrecy, mismanagement, and a failure to adequately protect our safety. Every misstep by the Department of Justice has reminded us that the system often protects abusers, not victims.”
Also Read: Pam Bondi new role explained: Trump hints at former AG's future in his admin; Todd Blanche reacts
The survivors emphasized the need for accountability and transparency as the Department of Justice transitions to new leadership: “As new leadership takes the helm at the Department of Justice, we stand ready to work together toward a more rigorous and transparent process moving forward. We are calling for meaningful transparency, accountability for past mistakes, and real protections for those who bravely come forward. Accountability should not depend on power, position, or influence.”
Personal reactions from survivors
Annie Farmer who alleges she was abused by Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, told People, “This is not about a single person; it is about a government and judicial system that has repeatedly failed Epstein survivors. Regardless of who holds power, survivors deserve accountability, transparency, protection from retaliation, and assurance that those who enabled Epstein, Maxwell, and others will be investigated and, if appropriate, prosecuted.”
Also Read: Pam Bondi’s first reaction to Trump's firing decision revealed: 'Tried to change his mind’
Jess Michaels expressed mixed feelings to The Independent, saying, “My instant reaction is good riddance and very glad that she was fired. My second reaction is, is this just another delay tactic?”
Haley Robson who is another survivor told The Independent, “I never thought I would see this day, but I'm a little intrigued on why he is choosing now to fire her when she has done so many things in the past, like six months to a year that have been deserving of resignation.”
Robson also warned, “I don't think that she ever intended to be honest or to share any information. So it wouldn't be anything new for her to do, but just the fact that she's no longer in her position of power because she has abused that power… It’s quite, you know what — thank you, karma.”
Lisa Phillips who is also a survivor recalled her frustration during Bondi’s testimony before the House Judiciary Committee in February 2026: “It was like, we were shaking. I was crying, because that was a moment when I realized, ‘oh, this woman doesn't care about us, and we're not getting justice through her.’”
Bondi’s dismissal has sparked a mix of relief, skepticism and cautious hope among survivors
