WASHINGTON — Former Attorney General Pam Bondi is scheduled to appear for a closed-door deposition before the House Oversight Committee next month as part of the ongoing congressional probe into Jeffrey Epstein's sex-trafficking network, committee officials announced Wednesday. The development came just moments after Democrats on the panel filed a resolution to hold Bondi in contempt of Congress for failing to comply with an earlier subpoena.
Bondi's testimony marks a significant step in the investigation, which stems from the Epstein Files Transparency Act passed by Congress in November. That legislation mandates the release of Justice Department records related to federal investigations into Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell. Bondi, who served as attorney general under President Donald Trump until her recent dismissal, has faced bipartisan criticism over the department's handling of those files.
A spokeswoman for the Republican-led committee confirmed the deposition in a statement, noting that it would occur in the coming weeks. The announcement followed closely on the heels of the Democratic move, prompting Ranking Member Robert Garcia, D-Calif., to remark, "Clearly we're being effective." Garcia's comment highlighted the partisan tensions surrounding the probe, as Democrats have accused Bondi of stonewalling efforts to uncover more details about Epstein's connections to powerful figures.
The subpoena for Bondi was approved by the committee on March 4, with Democrats joined by five Republicans in support: Representatives Nancy Mace of South Carolina, Lauren Boebert of Colorado, Michael Cloud of Texas, Scott Perry of Pennsylvania, and Tim Burchett of Tennessee. This unusual bipartisan vote underscored the cross-party interest in the Epstein matter, which has lingered in public scrutiny since the financier's 2019 death in federal custody.
Bondi was originally slated to appear on April 14, but the Justice Department intervened, stating she would not testify. In a letter to the committee, a senior Justice Department official explained that the subpoena had been issued to Bondi in her official capacity as attorney general, and with her ouster from the post—reportedly linked to internal disputes over the Epstein files—the department deemed the summons invalid for her personal appearance.
Democrats pushed back forcefully against the department's position. Before Wednesday's announcement, Garcia accused Bondi of deliberate obstruction, saying, "Pam Bondi has illegally defied our committee, skipped her deposition, and has refused to cooperate." The contempt resolution filed by Democrats seeks to compel her compliance through civil enforcement measures, potentially leading to fines or other penalties if approved by the full House.
The Epstein investigation has captivated lawmakers and the public alike, given the late financier's ties to numerous high-profile individuals. Epstein, a convicted sex offender, died by suicide while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges. His death sparked widespread conspiracy theories and demands for transparency about his network, which allegedly involved the exploitation of underage girls and connections to politicians, celebrities, and business leaders.
Under Bondi's tenure, the Justice Department released approximately 3 million pages of documents related to Epstein and Maxwell investigations—roughly half of the total files held by the agency. Officials cited several reasons for withholding the remainder, including the need to protect the personal information of survivors and to avoid compromising ongoing federal probes. However, this partial disclosure drew sharp rebukes from officials in both parties, who argued that more should have been done to fulfill the spirit of the Transparency Act.
Bondi herself has not publicly commented on the subpoena or her upcoming testimony, but her role in the Epstein matter has been a point of contention since the law's passage. Critics, including some within the Trump administration, have questioned whether her handling of the files contributed to her dismissal earlier this year. Reports suggest internal disagreements over the pace and extent of the releases played a factor, though the White House has not confirmed specifics.
The House Oversight Committee's probe is not limited to Bondi. She will join a roster of prominent figures who have already provided depositions, including former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and billionaire businessman Les Wexner, who was Epstein's longtime financial patron. These sessions, conducted behind closed doors, aim to shed light on Epstein's operations and any potential lapses in federal oversight.
Maxwell, Epstein's former girlfriend and convicted accomplice, is currently serving a 20-year sentence for her role in the trafficking scheme. Her trial in 2021 revealed disturbing details about the recruitment and abuse of minors, with Epstein's private island and Manhattan townhouse serving as key locations. The congressional effort seeks to determine if government agencies, including the Justice Department under multiple administrations, adequately pursued leads or protected influential associates.
From the Republican perspective, committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., has emphasized the need for full accountability without delving into partisan finger-pointing. In a recent statement, Comer said the panel is committed to "uncovering the truth about Epstein's enablers," though he has not directly addressed the Democratic contempt push. The involvement of GOP members like Boebert and Mace in the subpoena vote suggests a willingness to cross aisles on this issue, despite broader divisions in Congress.
Democrats, meanwhile, have framed Bondi's resistance as symptomatic of broader efforts to shield powerful interests. Garcia and his colleagues point to the Justice Department's withholding of millions of pages as evidence of incomplete compliance with the law. "The American people deserve answers," Garcia added in a separate interview, stressing that the probe must continue regardless of political shifts.
As Bondi's deposition approaches, legal experts anticipate it could yield new insights into the department's decision-making process during the document releases. Witnesses are typically questioned for several hours, with transcripts later made public in redacted form. The session may also touch on Bondi's interactions with Epstein-related cases prior to her attorney general role, when she served as Florida's attorney general and oversaw state-level inquiries into similar matters.
Looking ahead, the Oversight Committee's work could influence future legislative efforts on victim protections and government transparency. With midterm elections looming and Epstein's case remaining a cultural touchstone, the probe carries potential political ramifications for both parties. Bondi's testimony, whenever it occurs next month, is expected to be a focal point, potentially resolving—or escalating—the current standoff over congressional authority.
In the broader context of the Epstein saga, this development reinforces ongoing calls for accountability. Survivors' advocates have welcomed the subpoena enforcement, arguing that delays only prolong justice for those affected. As the committee prepares for Bondi's appearance, all eyes will be on whether her account aligns with the partial records already released or reveals new layers to one of the most notorious scandals in recent U.S. history.