The 'Politically Exposed Persons' List: What DOJ Sent Congress

What Is the PEP List?

During her February 5, 2026, congressional testimony, Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that the Department of Justice had compiled a list of "politically exposed persons" — individuals who hold or held political positions and whose names appear in the Epstein investigation files, according to CNN and the Associated Press.

On February 14, 2026, this list was transmitted to relevant congressional committees in a classified briefing, according to media reporting.

The existence and classification of this list has become one of the most discussed aspects of the Epstein files release.

What We Know

Bondi's Testimony

According to C-SPAN footage and reporting by CNN and NBC News, Bondi testified that:

• The DOJ compiled the list from names appearing in the 3.5 million pages released through the Epstein Library
• The list includes individuals who hold or held political positions at various levels of government
• The list was transmitted to congressional committees in a classified setting
• She declined to publicly name any individuals on the list
• She cited ongoing investigations as the primary reason for maintaining classification

The Transmission to Congress

According to the Associated Press and CNN:

• The list was sent to relevant congressional committees on February 14, 2026
• The transmission occurred in a classified briefing session
• Members of Congress who received the briefing were subject to classification restrictions
• Bipartisan pressure to publicly release the list was met with DOJ resistance

What "Politically Exposed Person" Means

The term "politically exposed person" (PEP) is a standard concept in financial compliance and law enforcement. According to Reuters and NBC News:

• A PEP is an individual who holds or has held a prominent public function
• The category includes heads of state, legislators, senior government officials, judges, military leaders, and senior executives of state-owned enterprises
• Close family members and associates of PEPs may also be included
• The concept is widely used in anti-money laundering compliance to identify individuals who may be susceptible to corruption

In the Epstein context, the DOJ applied this framework to identify political figures referenced in the investigation files.

Why the List Is Classified

DOJ's Stated Reasons

According to Bondi's testimony and DOJ communications:

• Ongoing investigations — Public disclosure could compromise active investigations involving individuals on the list
• Due process — Individuals referenced in investigation files have not necessarily been charged with offences, and public disclosure could cause reputational harm without due process
• National security — Some individuals on the list may hold positions relevant to national security
• Investigation integrity — Premature disclosure could cause witnesses or subjects to destroy evidence or flee

Congressional Debate

The classification of the list has generated significant debate, according to media reporting:

Arguments for public release:

• The Transparency Act was designed to maximize public disclosure
• The public has a right to know which political figures appear in Epstein investigation files
• Classification can be used to protect the powerful rather than serve justice
• Democratic accountability requires transparency about political figures

Arguments for maintaining classification:

• Being named in investigation files does not mean an individual committed crimes
• Public release without context could destroy reputations unfairly
• Ongoing investigations must be protected
• Due process requires that individuals not be publicly accused without charges

What the List Does NOT Mean

Several important clarifications about the PEP list, according to fact-checking by Reuters and the Associated Press:

• Not a "client list" — The list identifies political figures named in files, not individuals accused of crimes
• Not a charge sheet — Being on the list does not mean an individual is under investigation or will be charged
• Context varies — Names may appear in files for many reasons, including as witnesses, contacts, or incidental mentions
• Not comprehensive — The list reflects political figures in the released files; non-political figures are not included regardless of their relevance to the case

International Implications

The existence of the PEP list has international dimensions. According to media reporting:

• Political figures from multiple countries may be referenced in the Epstein investigation files
• The list's existence has contributed to political fallout in Europe, where several officials have already resigned or faced charges
• International law enforcement agencies have sought access to relevant information from the DOJ
• Diplomatic sensitivities may have influenced classification decisions

The Comparison Debate

The PEP list has been compared to other classified intelligence products, according to political commentators:

• JFK files — The classified portions of JFK assassination records remain a subject of public interest decades later
• 9/11 Commission classified materials — Sections of the 9/11 report were initially classified, leading to years of advocacy for release
• Foreign intelligence assessments — Classified lists of foreign political figures in various contexts are standard intelligence products

What We Know and What We Don't

Based on Bondi's testimony and verified reporting:

• The DOJ compiled a list of politically exposed persons from the Epstein files
• The list was transmitted to Congress in a classified briefing on February 14, 2026
• Bondi cited ongoing investigations as justification for classification
• Bipartisan pressure for public release continues
• The list identifies political figures named in files, not individuals accused of crimes

What remains unknown:

• The names on the list
• The number of individuals included
• The specific contexts in which each name appears in the files
• Whether the list will eventually be declassified
• Whether congressional members will take action to force public disclosure

Primary Sources

1. CNN, PEP list reporting — cnn.com
2. Associated Press, Bondi confirmation — apnews.com
3. C-SPAN, Bondi testimony — c-span.org
4. NBC News, PEP list explainer — nbcnews.com
5. Reuters, PEP list analysis — reuters.com

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Read the full Bondi hearing analysis or learn about the 6 wrongly redacted names. Explore the DOJ Epstein Files topic page or see who appears in the documents on our Epstein List page.