A Congressional Hearing Focused on Epstein Files Takes a Detour
During a congressional hearing concerning the Justice Department's handling of files related to Jeffrey Epstein, Representative Steve Cohen, a Democrat from Tennessee, made a notable statement. While questioning Attorney General Pam Bondi, Cohen suggested that the "worst of the worst" individuals are native-born Americans, not immigrants. This remark occurred within a combative hearing where Bondi was facing scrutiny over the management of sensitive documents. The exchange highlights the broader tensions surrounding immigration policy and law enforcement priorities, even as the primary focus of the hearing was on the Epstein case.
Background of the Hearing and Cohen's Remark
The congressional hearing on Wednesday involved Attorney General Pam Bondi fielding questions regarding the Justice Department's actions concerning the Jeffrey Epstein files. Multiple sources indicate that Bondi was actively defending the Trump administration and the department's actions, often in the face of sharp questioning from Democratic lawmakers.
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Cohen's specific comment about "native-born Americans" being the "worst of the worst" came up during this context. One report suggests Cohen made this statement while discussing the need for effective law enforcement to protect citizens. Another framing interprets his words as an attack on his "own fellow Americans" during a time when, according to that report, dangerous individuals like MS-13 gang members were crossing the border.
Divergent Interpretations of Representative Cohen's Remarks
Accusations of Anti-American Sentiment
Some reports characterize Rep. Steve Cohen's statement as "anti-American rhetoric" and "anti-American sentiment." These interpretations suggest that Cohen's focus on native-born Americans as the "worst of the worst" was a diversionary tactic that demonized law-abiding Americans instead of addressing border security issues.
Argument: Cohen's comments are seen as a failure to support efforts to remove dangerous individuals, such as gang members and traffickers, who are reportedly entering the country.
Contrast: This viewpoint contrasts Cohen's remarks with the Trump administration's stated priorities of removing criminals and prioritizing Americans.
Defense of Law Enforcement and Public Safety
Other accounts frame Cohen's statement as part of a broader discussion about law enforcement and public safety. Within this perspective, the "worst of the worst" were discussed in the context of who requires the attention of law enforcement and local protection.
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Context: Cohen's statement is presented in relation to the need for people "on the front lines and local law enforcement to protect our citizens."
Nuance: This interpretation suggests that Cohen's remarks were about identifying threats to public safety rather than a general indictment of native-born Americans.
Bondi's Testimony and Committee Dynamics
Attorney General Pam Bondi's testimony itself was a central element of the hearing. Reports indicate she was passionate in her defense of the Trump administration and the Justice Department's handling of the Epstein files.
Clash: Bondi reportedly clashed with Democrats, and some accounts describe her as shouting at them.
Epstein Case Focus: While the Epstein files were the stated reason for the hearing, other issues, including ties of Trump administration officials to Epstein, were also raised by Democrats like Rep. Becca Balint.
Survivor Presence: Several Epstein survivors were present at the hearing, and their situation was frequently mentioned by lawmakers. One survivor indicated Bondi had been unresponsive to them.
Expert Analysis and Commentary
"Attorney General Pam Bondi defended the Justice Department's handling of the files on the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and faced a barrage of angry questions on other issues during a fiery congressional hearing on Wednesday." - BBC News
"Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., scolded Attorney General Pam Bondi over federal immigration enforcement during a combative congressional hearing Wednesday." - Fox News
"Rather than supporting efforts to remove dangerous criminal aliens, Cohen chose to attack his own fellow Americans instead." - Next News Network
Conclusion and Implications
The exchange between Rep. Steve Cohen and Attorney General Pam Bondi during the congressional hearing on the Jeffrey Epstein files brought a sharp focus to differing perspectives on immigration and public safety. Cohen's assertion that native-born Americans constitute the "worst of the worst" has been met with strong criticism from some quarters, who label it "anti-American." Conversely, others suggest his remarks were made in the context of identifying threats to public safety for law enforcement.
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Bondi's role in the hearing was characterized by a robust defense of the Trump administration, and the session was marked by significant confrontation between her and Democratic members of the committee. The incident underscores the persistent partisan divisions and the tendency for discussions on unrelated topics, such as immigration, to emerge during high-profile oversight hearings. The differing interpretations of Cohen's statement highlight the challenge of discerning intent and the impact of political framing on public perception.
Key Sources and Context
Fox News: Rep. Steve Cohen tells Pam Bondi that 'worst of the worst' are native-born Americans, not immigrants. This report frames Cohen's statement within the context of immigration enforcement and public safety, directly quoting Cohen on the need for protection from the "worst of the worst."
Link: https://www.foxnews.com/politics/rep-steve-cohen-tells-pam-bondi-worst-worst-native-born-americans-not-immigrants
Next News Network: ANTI-AMERICAN: Democrat Rep. Steve Cohen Tells AG Bondi Native-Born Americans Are 'Worst of the Worst'. This source strongly criticizes Cohen's remarks, labeling them "anti-American rhetoric" and contrasting them with the administration's deportation priorities.
Link: https://nextnewsnetwork.com/2026/02/12/anti-american-democrat-rep-steve-cohen-tells-ag-bondi-native-born-americans-are—mljsobcg
AP News: Bondi clashes with Democrats as she struggles to turn the page on Epstein files furor. This report focuses on the overall dynamics of the hearing, detailing Bondi's defense of the Trump administration and her confrontations with Democrats, providing the broader context for Cohen's intervention.
Link: https://apnews.com/article/pam-bondi-house-judiciary-committee-justice-department-6d7502b80e42e9e9454264e242507bbd
BBC News: Four takeaways from Pam Bondi's fiery Epstein testimony. This article provides an overview of Bondi's testimony, noting her defense of the Justice Department's actions regarding Epstein files and the "barrage of angry questions" she received, placing Cohen's comments within this charged atmosphere.
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