WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) sparked Attorney General Pam Bondi’s anger on Tuesday during a Judiciary Committee hearing by asking about Jeffrey Epstein allegedly showing “people photos of President Trump with half-naked young women.”
The exchange escalated as Whitehouse questioned Bondi about the Justice Department’s decision to drop an investigation into current border czar Tom Homan.
The inquiry stems from a September 2024 undercover FBI operation in which Homan was reportedly photographed and recorded accepting a bag containing $50,000 in cash. It is alleged Homan promised future immigration-related government contracts in exchange for the money.
FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a statement, “This matter originated under the previous administration and was subjected to a full review by FBI agents and Justice Department prosecutors. They found no credible evidence of any criminal wrongdoing.”
Whitehouse asked Bondi what became of the money after the case was closed. During the exchange, Whitehouse repeatedly pressed Bondi for a direct answer:
SHELDON WHITEHOUSE: Are you saying that they did not deliver $50,000 in cash to Mr. Homan?
PAM BONDI: Senator, as recently stated, the investigation of Mr. Homan was subjected to a full review by FBI agents.
WHITEHOUSE: That’s a different question.
BONDI: By the FBI agents, by Department of Justice prosecutors. They found no evidence of wrongdoing.
WHITEHOUSE: That’s a different question. What became of the $50,000? Did the FBI get it back?
BONDI: Mr. Whitehouse, excuse me, Senator Whitehouse, you’re welcome to talk to the FBI.
WHITEHOUSE: They report to you, can’t you answer this question?
BONDI: Senator Whitehouse, you’re welcome to discuss this with Director Patel.
WHITEHOUSE: Did Homan keep the $50,000?
BONDI: As Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche recently stated, the investigation—
Bondi declined to say what happened to the money and shifted to discussing the Justice Department’s review of the case. She later challenged Whitehouse over past campaign donations from billionaire Reid Hoffman, who has previously been linked to Jeffrey Epstein through public reporting.
The Justice Department has said the case was closed due to insufficient evidence.
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