Former Attorney General Pam Bondi is set to appear before the House Oversight Committee on 29 May to answer questions regarding the Department of Justice's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation and the release of related files. The announcement came shortly after Democrats on the panel filed a civil contempt resolution against her for failing to attend a previously scheduled deposition.
Representative Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the committee, announced the contempt resolution on Wednesday, stating that Bondi had “illegally defied our committee, skipped her deposition, and has refused to cooperate.” Garcia emphasised that Bondi possesses “extensive personal knowledge about the Trump administration’s handling of the Epstein files” and that her testimony remains crucial regardless of her former official capacity.
The subpoena was originally issued while Bondi still served as attorney general. However, after President Donald Trump removed her from office, the Justice Department argued that the subpoena no longer applied, as it was issued in her official capacity. Assistant Attorney General Patrick Davis wrote to Committee Chairman James Comer, stating that Bondi “no longer holds that office” and therefore was not obligated to appear on the scheduled date of 14 April.
The committee had sought answers about the department’s compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which required the release of files by 19 December. The department missed that deadline, eventually releasing what it described as the full files on 31 January. Survivors of Epstein's abuse have raised concerns over improper disclosure of sensitive personal information, while some lawmakers have criticised redactions in the documents. The department maintains it acted lawfully.
A spokesperson for the Oversight Committee described the Democratic contempt action as “completely unnecessary” and confirmed Bondi’s 29 May appearance. In response, the oversight Democrats noted on social media that the date was set only 45 minutes after they filed the contempt charges. The Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
