Former Attorney General Pam Bondi Will Not Appear for Scheduled Epstein Testimony After Dismissal

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi will not appear for a deposition scheduled for April 14 before the House Oversight Committee on the Department of Justice's investigations into Jeffrey Epstein. The Justice Department informed the committee that Bondi, removed from office by President Donald Trump last week, will not comply with the subpoena.

The committee's spokesperson confirmed it will reach out to Bondi's personal counsel to discuss rescheduling. The subpoena targets Bondi's testimony on the federal government's handling of Epstein cases, including files related to the late sex offender. Epstein died in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

Committee members from both parties have emphasized that Bondi's dismissal does not exempt her from the obligation.

Robert Garcia, the committee's top Democrat, stated that Bondi is attempting to avoid her legal duty to testify about Epstein files and related White House actions. He added that the subpoena applies to Bondi personally, regardless of her former position, and warned of potential contempt proceedings if she defies it. Republican Rep.

Nancy Mace and Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna sent a letter to committee chair James Comer, asserting that Bondi's removal heightens the need for her testimony. The letter notes that her actions as Attorney General, including decisions on withheld DOJ files, remain under investigation.

The lawmakers described her sworn account as essential for accountability.

dismissed Bondi last week, elevating Todd Blanche to acting Attorney General.

Blanche stated in his first news conference that only Trump knows the reasons for the dismissal. The Justice Department did not respond to requests for comment on Bondi's non-appearance. Criticism has emerged over the DOJ's handling of Epstein files under Bondi's leadership.