The U.S. Department of Justice declared that former Attorney General Pam Bondi is not required to testify in the House Oversight Committee's Epstein investigation deposition, citing her removal from office.
DOJ's Legal Position
Assistant Attorney General Patrick D. Davis informed Chairman James Comer that the subpoena applied solely to Bondi's official capacity as attorney general, which she no longer holds. The DOJ requested the committee withdraw the April 14 deposition request.
Committee's Countermove
The Republican-led panel will engage Bondi's personal legal counsel to reschedule. Key responses:
- Rep. Robert Garcia (D): The bipartisan subpoena targets Bondi individually, not her title, and contempt proceedings will follow if she refuses.
- Rep. Nancy Mace (R): Bondi cannot avoid accountability merely by losing her position.
Political and Procedural Dynamics
- The subpoena gained bipartisan approval last month, with five Republicans joining Democrats.
- Chairman Comer, who did not support the subpoena initially, plans to consult GOP members but had pledged to honor it before Bondi's firing.
- Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated the decision rests with Comer.
Context and Background
Bondi was dismissed by President Donald Trump last week, partly due to controversies over the Justice Department's release of Epstein Files. The committee seeks her testimony on the handling of documents related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.