House Oversight Democrats seek subpoenas for two DOJ officials in Epstein files review

House Oversight Democrats asked Chair James Comer to subpoena Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel in the committee’s review of Jeffrey Epstein files. Ranking member Robert Garcia wrote in a Tuesday letter that former Attorney General Pam Bondi repeatedly named both officials during her Friday transcribed interview.

Bondi said she delegated oversight of the document review to Blanche and raised concerns about FBI record handling under Patel.

Bondi interview details Bondi appeared before committee investigators in a closed-door session arranged after a March subpoena. She declined to answer multiple questions and referred investigators to Blanche more than 30 times, according to Garcia. The Justice Department had earlier noted that some FBI documents arrived redacted, which affected the department’s ability to release records publicly.

Next steps requested Garcia stated that a closed-door briefing would not meet the committee’s needs and called for videotaped, transcribed testimony from both Blanche and Patel. Comer’s office, the Justice Department, and the FBI did not respond to requests for comment on the request.