Key Takeaways

• Attorney General Pam Bondi used pre-written attacks instead of direct answers in her Senate hearing.
• Bondi’s folder showed scripted lines to criticize Democratic senators.
• She referenced old campaign points and ties to Jeffrey Epstein to shift focus.
• A handwritten note pushed questions about Reid Hoffman’s donations.
• Bondi repeatedly refused to address staffing and personnel questions.

In a tense Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, Attorney General Pam Bondi grabbed attention with her unusual approach. Rather than answer detailed questions, she turned to personal attacks. Observers noticed her script-packed folder and a series of “Pam Bondi notes” that guided her every move.

Behind the Pam Bondi Notes

Throughout the hearing, Bondi relied heavily on what Reuters photographer Jonathan Ernst called her “Pam Bondi notes.” These contained bullet points designed to undermine specific Democratic senators. She opened the same folder each time a question seemed too tough.

Bondi’s Response Tactics

Instead of addressing questions, Bondi attacked. She called out Senator Richard Blumenthal over a 15-year-old campaign point about his Marine service. Yet, she offered no new evidence. Then she claimed Senator Dick Durbin took money from someone connected to Jeffrey Epstein. And each time, she moved on without actually answering.

Scripted Attacks on Whitehouse

One set of Pam Bondi notes focused on Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. The top item was a tweet where Whitehouse asked for an ethics probe of Supreme Court justices. The next lines read:

• “You claim to be a social justice warrior, but you’re a member of the Senate.”
• “You rail against dark money but you work with dark money groups.”
• “You talk about corruption but you push for legislation that would …”
• “You’re a total hypocrite.”

Interestingly, she never voiced these lines. Instead, she flipped past them to other points. The listening public never heard her unload the harshest put-downs printed in her folder.

Digging Into Epstein and Hoffman

A handwritten note at the bottom of Bondi’s folder connected back to Jeffrey Epstein. It read: “Epstein—Did you take $ from Reid Hoffman???” Hoffman knew Epstein and donated to Democratic campaigns. Bondi used this to deflect Democrats’ calls to release Trump-Epstein files. She asked senators if they accepted money linked to Epstein. In this way, the Pam Bondi notes served as her shield.

Avoiding Personnel Questions

Several times, senators grilled Bondi on firings and staffing in the Justice Department. Again, her Pam Bondi notes guided her: “If asked admit personnel or firings — I’ll tell you a personnel issue that I’m [missing word] agents are on the streets keeping America [missing words] a paycheck b/c you voted to shut [missing words].” She repeatedly refused direct answers. Instead, she blamed Democrats for government shutdowns.

Why the Notes Matter

Pam Bondi notes reveal a deliberate strategy. Rather than engage on policy, Bondi aimed to score political points. She veered away from oversight and steered toward partisan attack. This approach frustrated senators and raised eyebrows nationwide.

Impacts on Oversight

The purpose of a Senate oversight hearing is to hold officials accountable. Yet when an official brings pre-written attacks, real accountability falls by the wayside. Bondi’s reliance on her notes blocked deeper discussion about Justice Department choices. It also shifted attention away from questions about President Trump’s ties to Epstein.

Public Reaction and Media Response

Viewers and reporters reacted strongly. Many saw the notes as proof of a scripted defense. Others said Bondi showed disrespect by refusing to answer. Still, her strategy may have played well with supporters who view the hearing as partisan.

What’s Next?

Democrats have demanded full access to the Justice Department’s Epstein files. They want clear answers about President Trump’s interactions with Epstein. Meanwhile, Republican allies praise Bondi’s tough stance. The fight over what comes out of the department continues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Pam Bondi bring notes to the Senate hearing?

She used notes to guide her responses and attack opponents rather than answer detailed questions about her tenure.

What did the Pamela Bondi notes reveal about her strategy?

They showed a plan to shift focus to personal attacks, dark money, and ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

Did Bondi actually use all her pre-written attacks?

No. She skipped several harsh bullet points intended to criticize Senator Whitehouse.

How did Bondi’s focus on Epstein affect the hearing?

She connected Democrats to Epstein through Reid Hoffman donations, avoiding direct questions about Trump’s ties.