Pam Bondi to appear before House oversight panel over Epstein files

Former US Attorney General Pam Bondi will not appear before the House Oversight Committee regarding the release of Jeffrey Epstein files. The Justice Department informed Congress that the subpoena issued to Bondi in her former role is no longer valid since she was recently fired by President Trump. The firing reportedly stemmed partly from dissatisfaction with her handling of the Epstein records release. The House Oversight Committee subpoenaed Bondi to question the Justice Department's compliance with a law requiring the release of nearly all Epstein files. Lawmakers have raised concerns about excessive redactions and the public release of victim names in some documents. The Justice Department has requested the subpoena be withdrawn.

Pam Bondi, former US Attorney General, will not appear for a scheduled deposition before the House Oversight Committee regarding the Justice Department's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation and the release of related files. The Justice Department stated that the subpoena, issued to Bondi in her official capacity as Attorney General, is no longer valid since she no longer holds that position. The House Oversight Committee, however, has not withdrawn the subpoena and plans to contact Bondi's personal counsel to discuss next steps. The committee seeks to question Bondi about the Justice Department's compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, particularly regarding the release of files, which was delayed and allegedly exposed sensitive victim information.

Democrats on the House Oversight Committee are criticizing former Attorney General Pam Bondi for refusing to testify before Congress regarding the release of Jeffrey Epstein files. Bondi was subpoenaed last month to testify about the release of the Epstein files, mandated by the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The Department of Justice stated Bondi would not testify since she was no longer attorney general, having been removed from her role on April 2nd. Democrats accuse Bondi of protecting powerful men connected to Epstein and warn that the subpoena remains in effect. Congressman Robert Garcia stated that Bondi could be held in contempt of Congress if she continues to refuse to appear. The Epstein files have become a political issue for the Trump administration, which has faced accusations of shielding powerful people connected to Epstein.