In a startling display of political theater, Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared before the House Judiciary Committee for questioning regarding the Justice Department's recent release of the Jeffrey Epstein files. The proceedings took an unusual turn when Bondi was observed furiously flipping through a binder filled with pre-written, personalized insults aimed at Democratic lawmakers.
A 'Mean Girls'-Inspired Strategy Backfires
The binder, quickly dubbed a "burn book" in reference to the iconic film "Mean Girls," became a focal point of mockery from both sides of the aisle. Its cartoonish nature undermined Bondi's credibility, as lawmakers seized on the opportunity to highlight the absurdity of using such tactics in a serious congressional setting.
Lawmakers React with Humor and Criticism
Representative Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, took to social media to roast Bondi's approach. He revealed that staff had provided her with flash cards containing individualized insults, but she struggled to memorize them, leading to visible shuffling during the hearing. Massie's post included a video clip showcasing Bondi's awkward fumbling, which went viral and amplified the ridicule.
On the Democratic side, Representative Jared Moskowitz of Florida confronted Bondi directly. During his allotted time, he challenged her to flip to his section in the binder, expressing curiosity about the opposition research compiled against him. To add a playful twist, Moskowitz produced a small whiteboard, announcing he would "grade" her insult as if judging an Olympic event, eliciting laughter from colleagues.
A Controversial Prop and Heated Exchange
Moskowitz's remarks took a more serious turn when he referenced a President Donald Trump-endorsed Bible, which he had on hand. He used it as a prop to emphasize that Trump's name appears more frequently in the Epstein files than God's name does in the Bible, making a pointed critique about the focus of the investigation. Bondi responded sharply, chastising Moskowitz for mocking the Bible and holding up the Trump version, calling it offensive and shameful.
This exchange highlighted the deepening partisan divides in the hearing, with Bondi's defensive posture and reliance on prepared insults overshadowing substantive discussion of the Epstein files. The incident has sparked widespread commentary on social media and news outlets, painting Bondi's actions as a misguided attempt to deflect responsibility in a high-stakes political environment.
Overall, the hearing underscored how unconventional tactics, like a "burn book" binder, can backfire spectacularly in formal governmental proceedings, drawing more attention to personal antics than to the critical issues at hand.
