Patel Responds After AG Bondi Says FBI Agents Withholding Epstein Files

FBI Director Kash Patel has broken his silence following the underwhelming release of Phase 1 of the Jeffrey Epstein files, which were shared with conservative influencers earlier this week.

His statement came in response to a letter sent to him by Attorney General Pam Bondi, where she revealed that sources had informed her that agents at the FBI’s New York field office were holding back “thousands” of documents tied to Epstein. This alleged withholding occurred despite her prior request for the agency to turn over all materials linked to the deceased sex offender for public release.

In her letter, Bondi made it clear that she was not placing blame directly on Patel, noting that her original demand for the documents happened before Patel officially took office as FBI Director on February 21.

“Before you came into office, I requested the full and complete files related to Jeffrey Epstein,” Bondi wrote. “In response to this request, I received approximately 200 pages of documents, which consisted primarily of flight logs, Epstein’s list of contacts, and a list of victims’ names and phone numbers.”

She went on to say: “I repeatedly questioned whether this was the full set of documents responsive to my request and was repeatedly assured by the FBI that we had received the full set of documents. Late yesterday I learned from a source that the FBI Field Office in New York was in possession of thousands of pages of documents related to the investigation and indictment of Epstein. Despite my repeated requests, the FBI never disclosed the existence of these files. When you and I spoke yesterday, you were just as surprised as I was to learn this new information.”

Bondi then issued a firm directive: “By 8:00 a.m. tomorrow, February 28, the FBI will deliver the full and complete Epstein files to my office, including all records, documents, audio and video recordings, and materials related to Jeffrey Epstein and his clients, regardless of how such information was obtained. There will be no withholdings or limitations to my or your access. The Department of Justice will ensure that any public disclosure of these files will be done in a manner to protect the privacy of victims and in accordance with law, as I have done my entire career as a prosecutor.”

She also demanded an internal investigation, stating: “I am also directing you to conduct an immediate investigation into why my order to the FBI was not followed. You will deliver to me a comprehensive report of your findings and proposed personnel action within 14 days.”

“I appreciate your immediate attention to this important matter. I know that we are both committed to transparency for the American people, and I look forward to continuing to work with you to serve our President and our country,” Bondi added.

In response, Patel addressed Bondi’s concerns publicly within hours, posting a commitment to full transparency on X.

“The FBI is entering a new era—one that will be defined by integrity, accountability, and the unwavering pursuit of justice. There will be no cover-ups, no missing documents, and no stone left unturned — and anyone from the prior or current Bureau who undermines this will be swiftly pursued,” Patel stated.

He further pledged: “If there are gaps, we will find them. If records have been hidden, we will uncover them. And we will bring everything we find to the DOJ to be fully assessed and transparently disseminated to the American people as it should be. The oath we take is to the Constitution, and under my leadership, that promise will be upheld without compromise.”