House Democrats staged a dramatic walkout during a closed-door briefing with Attorney General Pam Bondi on Wednesday evening, furiously protesting what they called a "fake hearing" regarding the Jeffrey Epstein files. The lawmakers accused top Justice Department officials of failing to follow proper procedures, providing no substantive insights into the investigation, and not honoring a congressional subpoena.
Democrats Decry 'Outrageous' Proceedings
Less than an hour after the meeting began on Capitol Hill, Democratic members of the House Oversight Committee stormed out of the room. The session, which included Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche alongside Bondi, was intended to update lawmakers on the Epstein investigation but quickly descended into chaos.
Ranking member Robert Garcia of California told reporters that Bondi was not under oath, did not provide an opening statement, and refused to commit to honoring the subpoena for her testimony next month. "It's outrageous, it's infuriating and it continues this White House cover-up of the Epstein files. We're not going to take that anymore," Garcia declared, labeling the session a "fake hearing."
Progressive Lawmaker Echoes Criticism
Congressman Maxwell Frost of Florida, a progressive Democrat, reinforced Garcia's assessment, calling the ordeal a "fake deposition where no one can see what's going on." He highlighted the absence of a C-SPAN feed or any cameras for the closed-door meeting, arguing it lacked transparency.
The walkout represents the latest escalation in tensions over the Justice Department's handling of the Epstein case. It occurred just one day after Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer of Kentucky subpoenaed Bondi to testify about Epstein next month.
Republican Response and Accusations
Comer suggested the walkout was likely "premeditated" and part of a "political game" being played by Democrats. "They came out, clutching their pearls, complaining that she wasn't answering questions," he said on Wednesday. "The first three people to ask questions, all they did was complain."
Bondi, speaking with reporters after the brief sit-down, defended the Justice Department's approach. "We came at their convenience. We gave them, really, as much time as they wanted," she stated. She noted that one congresswoman refused to ask questions while "screaming" about the lack of C-SPAN coverage.
Heated Exchange During Session
Comer and Democratic Representative Summer Lee of Pennsylvania both admitted to a verbal argument during the short session. Lee claimed she asked Comer if he would hold Bondi in contempt of Congress for non-compliance with the subpoena, and that Comer accused her of "bitching."
Comer told reporters the interaction was merely Lee "complaining about the format." Later on social media, he defended his comments, writing: "I said Democrats were bitching and wasting everyone's time because Democrats were bitching and wasting everyone's time."
Bondi's Commitment and Ongoing Investigation
When asked if she would comply with the subpoena, Bondi said after the briefing she would "follow the law." She has previously promised to release all Justice Department files related to Epstein and his sex trafficking crimes.
Democrats continue to demand answers from Bondi regarding potential links between Epstein and the late financier, as well as broader questions about the investigation. The Justice Department referred inquiries to Bondi and Blanche's public remarks rebuking the Democrat walkout.
This confrontation underscores the deepening partisan divide over the Epstein case, with Democrats accusing the Justice Department of obstruction while Republicans dismiss their actions as political theater. The subpoena for Bondi's testimony next month looms as the next potential flashpoint in this ongoing controversy.
