Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Monday that the Justice Department has released documents related to the FBI’s investigation into Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server.

The Context

Bondi announced Monday that the Department of Justice has released documents tied to the FBI’s investigation into Clinton’s use of a private email server during her tenure as Secretary of State. The move comes in response to a long-standing request from Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, who has pushed for greater transparency surrounding the probe.

Bondi praised Grassley’s efforts, calling his pursuit of accountability “unwavering,” and reaffirmed the department’s commitment to supporting congressional oversight. The release includes materials related to former FBI Director James Comey’s handling of the investigation, which critics say did not thoroughly examine key evidence.

The timing of the disclosure arrives as Bondi faces mounting scrutiny over her office’s handling of the Epstein files, adding further pressure on the DOJ’s approach to politically sensitive cases.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi speaks during a news conference at the DEA headquarters on July 15, 2025, in Arlington, Virginia. Alex Wong/Getty Images

What was the Hillary Clinton email controversy?

The Hillary Clinton email controversy centers on her use of a private email server for official communications during her tenure as U.S. Secretary of State from 2009 to 2013. Instead of using a government-issued state.gov account, Clinton relied exclusively on a personal email address hosted on a server at her home in Chappaqua, New York, which raised concerns about transparency, security, and compliance with federal record-keeping laws.

While Clinton cited convenience as her reason for the setup, critics argued it allowed her to control access to her correspondence and avoid scrutiny. Investigations by the State Department and FBI found that her email system violated internal policies and that classified information had been transmitted through unsecured channels.

However, the FBI concluded in 2016 that Clinton had been “extremely careless” but did not act with criminal intent, and no charges were filed. The controversy became a major flashpoint during the 2016 presidential election and continues to be referenced in debates over government accountability and information security.

Why haven’t the Epstein Files been released?

The Justice Department’s decision not to release further documents related to Jeffrey Epstein has sparked backlash across the political spectrum, especially among Trump supporters who once believed the administration would fully disclose the case files. An unsigned memo issued July 7 stated that no “client list” exists and that most materials are sealed to protect victims and contain sensitive content, including child exploitation evidence.

Bondi previously promised transparency and claimed the files were “sitting on my desk,” but the department later walked back those assertions, citing legal and ethical constraints. Critics, including former Fox News host Tucker Carlson and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, have expressed frustration, while others, such as Dinesh D’Souza, have urged conservatives to move on.

Despite Trump’s past ties to Epstein, no publicly documented evidence links him to Epstein’s crimes. The administration’s reversal has fueled speculation and conspiracy theories, but officials maintain that further disclosure is neither appropriate nor warranted.

What happened to Jeffrey Epstein?

Epstein, a wealthy financier with ties to influential figures, died by suicide in a New York jail cell on August 10, 2019, while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. His death followed years of controversy stemming from a 2008 plea deal that allowed him to avoid federal prosecution despite evidence of widespread abuse of underage girls. Epstein had previously served 13 months in jail for soliciting prostitution from a minor, but continued to maintain his lavish lifestyle and social connections until his arrest in 2019.

Authorities accused Epstein of running a vast network of underage victims between 2002 and 2005, but he pleaded not guilty. His death, which occurred under suspicious circumstances—including broken surveillance cameras and falsified guard records—sparked widespread speculation and conspiracy theories. The fallout led to renewed scrutiny of his associates, including Prince Andrew and Ghislaine Maxwell, the latter of whom was convicted in 2021 for aiding Epstein’s abuse and sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Despite public demands for transparency, the Justice Department has stated that no incriminating “client list” exists and that further disclosures are unlikely. Epstein’s legacy remains one of unanswered questions, legal battles, and enduring public distrust.

What People Are Saying

Pam Bondi, in her statement shared by the Department of Justice on Monday, said: “Today, the Department of Justice honored Chairman Grassley’s request to release information relating to former-FBI Director James Comey’s failed investigation into Hillary Clinton’s mishandling of highly classified information during her tenure as Secretary of State. I commend Chairman Grassley for his unwavering, years-long commitment to exposing the truth and holding those who seek to conceal it accountable. This Department of Justice is fully committed to transparency and will continue to support good-faith efforts in Congress to ensure accountability across the federal government.”