Summary
Highlights
Jamie Raskin welcomes Attorney General Bondi, emphasizing that her mission is justice for the American people. He immediately highlights the importance of listening to victims, specifically mentioning the survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking ring present at the hearing. Raskin introduces several survivors by name, noting their demand for truth and accountability.
Raskin accuses Attorney General Bondi of showing little interest in victims, instead siding with perpetrators. He criticizes her for redacting names of abusers and accomplices in released documents while exposing the names of many victims, contrary to legal orders. He suggests this conduct screams 'cover-up' and demonstrates either staggering incompetence or cold indifference towards the victims.
Raskin discusses Ghislaine Maxwell's transfer to a minimum-security facility after a subpoena to testify before Congress. He alleges that this favorable treatment occurred after interactions with Todd Blanche, implying that the primary concern was Maxwell not saying anything 'untoward' about Donald Trump, suggesting political motivations behind the DOJ's actions.
Raskin extends his critique beyond the Epstein case, detailing instances where the DOJ allegedly shut down investigations into serious crimes, like the killing of Renee Goode by ICE agents, and obstructed state and local investigations. He accuses the Attorney General of transforming the DOJ into an instrument of Trump's revenge, initiating politically motivated prosecutions against critics and political opponents.
Raskin points out that serious lawyers within the DOJ have resisted these 'lawless orders.' He cites examples of officials resigning or refusing to participate in what they deemed corrupt schemes. Furthermore, he highlights instances where federal judges have excoriated the DOJ for lying in court, with one judge suggesting the department 'perpetrated a fraud on the court.'
Raskin notes that grand juries of American citizens have repeatedly rejected the DOJ's 'vendettas' and 'baseless indictments,' including charges against Letitia James and six members of Congress. He criticizes an attempt to indict veteran members of Congress for seditious conspiracy for exercising their First Amendment rights.
Raskin concludes by asking for additional questioning time to address the perceived corruption and cover-ups at the DOJ. He firmly warns Attorney General Bondi not to evade questions or engage in personal attacks, referencing a 'burn book' brought to a previous Senate hearing. He demands direct answers, emphasizing the importance of a Department of Justice worthy of its name for the victims and the American people.