DOJ Intervenes to Block Pam Bondi's Deposition on Epstein Files
The Justice Department has stepped in to prevent former Attorney General Pam Bondi from appearing for a scheduled deposition with the House Oversight Committee, which is investigating the government's files on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This development follows her recent firing by President Donald Trump, with the DOJ asserting that the subpoena, issued last month, no longer applies since she is no longer in office.
Committee Subpoena and DOJ Response
House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer, a Republican from Kentucky, subpoenaed Bondi after a bipartisan vote, where five Republicans joined all Democrats to demand her testimony. However, a committee spokesperson confirmed that the DOJ has stated Bondi will not appear on April 14, as she was subpoenaed in her capacity as Attorney General and has since been dismissed. The committee plans to contact Bondi's personal counsel to discuss rescheduling the deposition.
This excuse is notable because the committee has previously subpoenaed other former U.S. attorneys general. All except Bill Barr, who served during Trump's first term, provided sworn statements denying knowledge of the Epstein case, while Barr participated in a transcribed interview. This raises questions about why Bondi cannot do the same.
Background on Bondi's Involvement
Bondi's firing may stem partly from Trump's frustration over her handling of the Epstein files. Epstein, a notorious sex criminal and former associate of Trump, died by apparent suicide in jail in 2019 while facing federal charges. Early last year, Bondi claimed to have Epstein's "client list" on her desk, but later backtracked when the DOJ issued a statement denying the existence of such a list or evidence to charge others involved.
This controversy led to a right-wing outcry, prompting the committee to subpoena the full Epstein files and Congress to pass a law requiring their public release in a searchable database. Under Bondi's leadership, the DOJ struggled to meet the statutory deadline for releasing these files, admitting to errors in redacting and withholding documents.
Released Material and Ongoing Concerns
Some of the material released during Bondi's tenure has been embarrassing for Trump, including a 2002 birthday message he wrote to Epstein and FBI files detailing an unverified allegation of sexual assault from the 1980s. Despite this, many documents remain hidden, fueling calls for transparency.
In a recent letter, committee members Ro Khanna, a Democrat from California, and Nancy Mace, a Republican from South Carolina, urged Comer to ensure Bondi complies with her subpoena. Mace emphasized that leaving office does not exempt one from accountability, noting that Bondi was subpoenaed by name, not by title, and must answer for the DOJ's stonewalling.
"She promised she would comply," Mace added. "April 14 is her chance to prove it. Chairman Comer must make one thing clear: show up or face contempt."
The DOJ spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment, leaving the situation unresolved as the committee seeks to advance its investigation into the Epstein files.
