Kyle Rittenhouse Calls for Pam Bondi’s Resignation Amid DOJ ‘Surveillance’ Scandal Over Epstein Files Hearing
Washington, D.C. – February 12, 2026 – A fresh controversy has erupted surrounding Attorney General Pam Bondi’s handling of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents, as Kyle Rittenhouse, the polarizing figure acquitted in the 2020 Kenosha shootings, publicly demanded her resignation. Rittenhouse, a figure often celebrated in conservative and MAGA circles, posted on X: “Pam Bondi needs to resign. Harmeet Dhillon for AG!” His criticism follows a combative House Judiciary Committee hearing on February 11, where Bondi faced intense scrutiny over the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) release of Epstein files and new allegations that the agency monitored lawmakers’ search histories in a secure DOJ database.
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The hearing, which stretched over five hours, saw Bondi clashing repeatedly with Democratic lawmakers on issues ranging from redactions that allegedly exposed victim details to the pace of investigations into Epstein’s associates. Survivors of Epstein’s abuse were present in the room, and tensions peaked when Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) urged Bondi to turn and apologize directly to them. Bondi expressed general sympathy for victims but declined a face-to-face apology, drawing accusations of insensitivity.
The most explosive revelation emerged post-hearing: photographs of Bondi’s materials—dubbed a “burn book” by critics—showed a printout labeled “Jayapal Pramila Search History.” The document listed specific Epstein files accessed by Jayapal during a supervised review session at a DOJ annex, where lawmakers used department computers to view less-redacted versions of the documents. Lawmakers must travel to the facility, use DOJ systems under oversight, and take only handwritten notes, raising concerns about privacy and separation of powers.
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Jayapal issued a strong statement on X and to media outlets: “It is totally inappropriate and against the separations of powers for the DOJ to surveil us as we search the Epstein files. Bondi showed up today with a burn book that held a printed search history of exactly what emails I searched. That is outrageous and I intend to pursue this and stop this spying on members.” Ranking Member Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) echoed the outrage, calling it an attempt to intrude on congressional oversight and demanding an inspector general probe.
Bondi has not directly addressed the surveillance claims but defended the DOJ’s transparency efforts during the hearing, emphasizing pending investigations and redirecting focus to prior administrations. She highlighted ongoing probes but offered few concrete details on indictments of Epstein’s alleged co-conspirators.
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Rittenhouse’s intervention amplified the backlash from the right. Known for his self-defense acquittal in the 2020 Kenosha case, where he fatally shot two protesters and wounded another, Rittenhouse has become a conservative activist. His call for Bondi’s ouster in favor of Harmeet Dhillon—a prominent conservative lawyer and Trump ally—signals fracturing support within MAGA ranks over the Epstein file management.
The Epstein files, released in batches under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, have included millions of pages, some with incomplete redactions that revealed sensitive victim information, including nude photos in certain instances. Critics argue the DOJ has failed to pursue high-profile enablers aggressively, while Bondi has pointed to Trump administration directives to investigate certain Democrats named in the documents.
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Democrats, including Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.), accused Bondi of lying under oath about links to President Trump and called for her resignation. Some Republicans, like Rep. Thomas Massie, expressed frustration with the redactions and lack of accountability. Bondi, a former Florida AG and longtime Trump confidante, countered by praising market performance and accusing Democrats of politicization.
The scandal has intensified scrutiny on DOJ practices for congressional access to sensitive materials. Jayapal and others plan to push for reforms to prevent what they call “spying” on lawmakers. As investigations continue, the episode highlights deep divisions over transparency, victim protection, and executive oversight in the Epstein saga.
Rittenhouse’s break from Bondi underscores how even staunch allies are questioning the administration’s approach, potentially complicating efforts to maintain unified support amid ongoing controversies.
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