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Trump’s AG Picks Tell a Story: Were Gaetz and Bondi Chosen to Keep Epstein Buried? [1]

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Date: 2025-07-21

When Donald Trump tapped Matt Gaetz for Attorney General earlier this year, many scratched their heads. Gaetz — a scandal-plagued former Congressman — had little in the way of legal credentials and was still tainted by a DOJ investigation into sex trafficking allegations involving a 17-year-old girl. His nomination collapsed almost instantly under bipartisan Senate resistance.

But that initial pick raised a chilling question: Why Gaetz?

Trump quickly turned to Pam Bondi, a longtime Florida loyalist who once served as the state’s Attorney General. Bondi is well known to Trumpworld: she was part of his impeachment defense team and received a now-infamous $25,000 campaign donation from Trump’s foundation while considering a fraud investigation into Trump University — which she then declined to pursue.

But Bondi’s resume has another footnote: she played a central role in letting Jeffrey Epstein off the hook in Florida.

So we must ask: Did Trump strategically select two individuals whose own baggage made them unlikely to probe too deeply into Epstein’s criminal empire — and, by extension, Trump’s potential ties to it?

The Epstein Puzzle

Jeffrey Epstein’s web of abuse has haunted American politics and power for years. After his 2019 arrest and suspicious jailhouse death, the public has demanded accountability — and transparency. Who was involved? Who visited his homes and islands? Who helped him evade justice?

For years, Trump has tried to dance around this. While he now positions himself as a crusader for Epstein disclosure, the reality is murkier. Trump was photographed and videotaped with Epstein multiple times. He famously said in 2002: “I’ve known Jeff for fifteen years. Terrific guy… he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side.”

Since returning to power, Trump has promised to “release the full Epstein list,” but that promise keeps getting delayed, redirected, or watered down — usually by those he places in charge.

Gaetz and Bondi: Coincidence or Cover?

Matt Gaetz

Investigated by the DOJ for sex trafficking of a minor (no charges were filed).

Known for extreme loyalty to Trump and hard-right MAGA politics.

His own legal vulnerabilities could have made him an AG unlikely to explore Epstein-linked crimes with any vigor.

MAGA influencers floated him as a special counsel on child sex trafficking — a dark irony considering his past scrutiny.

Pam Bondi

As Florida’s AG, Bondi’s office did not pursue further charges against Epstein despite clear opportunities.

She has faced years of criticism for failing to act on behalf of Epstein’s victims.

Appointed AG just as pressure was mounting on Trump to follow through on his Epstein disclosure promises.

If Trump wanted a compliant AG who wouldn’t open dangerous doors — these were two perfect candidates. Trump wants credit for “pursuing Epstein’s client list,” while surrounding himself with people who helped Epstein escape justice or have their own reason to avoid digging too deep.

Matt Gaetz couldn’t touch the case without igniting his own scandal. Pam Bondi has already failed this test once — and the victims paid the price.

It’s time to connect the dots: Trump selected the two individuals least likely to pursue the Epstein case, because they had just as much to protect as he did.

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[1] Url: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2025/7/21/2334550/-Trump-s-AG-Picks-Tell-a-Story-Were-Gaetz-and-Bondi-Chosen-to-Keep-Epstein-Buried?pm_campaign=front_page&pm_source=more_community&pm_medium=web

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