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Chapter 1: What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
Live from NPR News, I'm Lakshmi Singh. Attorney General Pam Bondi is testifying before the House Judiciary Committee this hour in defense of a Justice Department that critics contend President Trump has weaponized to serve his own interests.
Ranking member Democrat Jamie Raskin opened his remarks today with searing accusations the DOJ has been less than transparent with victims of Jeffrey Epstein, the late convicted sex offender with ties to President Trump, former President Bill Clinton and other prominent figures.
To promote justice for the people, you've got to listen to the victims, like the women seated behind you today.
Chapter 2: What are the allegations against the DOJ in the Epstein case?
Those are just some of the hundreds of survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's global sex trafficking ring who are demanding that the truth be told and are demanding accountability for the abusers who trafficked and raped them. You still haven't met with these survivors.
Bondi disputed Raskin's assertions. I have spent my entire career fighting for victims, and I will continue to do so. I am deeply sorry for what any victim, any victim has been through, especially as a result of that monster.
Bondi argues the DOJ has worked to release all materials under the law despite significant time constraints. The U.S. labor market started 2026 stronger than expected. The government is out with January data showing non-farm payrolls rose by 130,000. Unemployment rates slid to 4.3 percent.
However, the report, which was delayed due to the government shutdown, also significantly revises down the number of jobs created last year to 181,000. The administration is trying to sell the public on his handling of the economy. NPR's Tamara Keith reports President Trump says he'll own it.
For months, Trump has been blaming his predecessor for any economic challenges. But in a recent interview, he said it's the Trump economy now. He points to high stock prices and strong economic growth. In an interview with Larry Kudlow on Fox Business, Trump said he just needs to get the word out to help his party in this year's midterm elections.
We have the hottest country in the world. I guess I have to sell that because we should win in a landslide and we'll do everything we can to do it.
Voters, however, aren't convinced. The NPR-PBS News Marist poll finds 59 percent disapprove of Trump's handling of the economy. Tamara Keith, NPR News, the White House.
We see on Wall Street the Dow is down 35 points at last check. Actor James Van Der Beek, best known for his role in the hit show Dawson's Creek, has died. He was 48 years old. Van Der Beek announced his diagnosis of stage 3 colon cancer in 2024. His family wrote on Instagram this afternoon that he had passed away peacefully this morning. From Washington, this is NPR News.
China is denying an accusation by the United States it's conducting illicit nuclear weapons testing. NPR's Jeff Brumfield reports the escalating rhetoric is raising fears that nuclear testing could soon resume globally.
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