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The House Oversight Committee has subpoenaed Attorney General Pam Bondi to testify next month as part of its investigation into the Justice Department’s handling of records related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, intensifying a politically charged probe that has drawn bipartisan scrutiny.
The subpoena compels Bondi to appear for a closed-door deposition on April 14, setting up what could be a contentious session between lawmakers and the nation’s top law enforcement official.
A spokesperson for the Department of Justice dismissed the move as unnecessary and declined to say whether Bondi would comply.
“This subpoena is completely unnecessary,” the spokesperson said, noting that lawmakers have already been invited to review unredacted Epstein-related files at the department. “The attorney general has always made herself available to speak directly with members of Congress.”
Briefing planned as standoff brews
Bondi, along with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, is scheduled to brief committee members on the matter this week, according to the department, which said it intends to continue providing information to lawmakers.
The subpoena stems from a vote earlier this month by the House Oversight Committee to compel Bondi’s testimony regarding the department’s compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a bipartisan law requiring the release of government records tied to Epstein and his associates.
Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., introduced the motion to pursue the subpoena. All Democrats on the panel supported the move, joined by several Republicans, including Reps. Lauren Boebert, Michael Cloud, Scott Perry and Tim Burchett.
Questions over compliance with transparency law
In a letter to Bondi, Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., said the panel is seeking answers about how the Justice Department collected, reviewed and released Epstein-related materials.
The law, passed with broad bipartisan support last year, required the department to release all relevant files by Dec. 19. While officials initially published more than 100,000 pages by that deadline, the bulk of the records were not released until late January, drawing criticism from lawmakers in both parties.
Members of Congress have raised concerns about missed deadlines, heavy redactions, lapses in protecting victims’ identities and allegations that some documents may still be withheld.
Additional records fuel controversy
The Justice Department has faced renewed scrutiny since releasing additional Epstein-related records in March, including documents containing allegations involving Donald Trump. The White House has denied those claims, calling them “totally baseless.”
Separately, a bipartisan group of senators has asked the Government Accountability Office to review the department’s handling of the file releases.
Bondi has defended the agency’s efforts, telling lawmakers that hundreds of attorneys and staff reviewed millions of pages to comply with the law while attempting to safeguard victims’ identities.
Political fallout spreads
The Oversight Committee’s investigation has widened beyond the Justice Department. Lawmakers previously requested testimony from former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, drawing Democratic criticism over the scope of the inquiry.
More recently, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick agreed to testify after documents suggested extended contact with Epstein beyond what he had publicly acknowledged.
The case continues to generate intense public and political interest, with pressure mounting on federal officials to provide greater transparency around Epstein’s network and the government’s response.
Next steps
It remains unclear whether Bondi will comply with the subpoena or seek to challenge it. If she appears, lawmakers are expected to press her on the department’s decision-making, document handling and adherence to the transparency law.
The outcome of the standoff could shape the next phase of the investigation — and determine how much more information about Epstein’s associates becomes public.
