House Democrat Questions Format of Bondi Interview

A top Democrat on a congressional panel has raised concerns about Republican-led changes to the format of former Attorney General Pam Bondi's upcoming testimony regarding her handling of certain files. Republicans stated that the adjusted format aligns with practices for cooperative witnesses.

), described the transcribed interview as a 'purely voluntary proceeding' that allows Bondi to decline answering questions without valid grounds, such as invoking the Fifth Amendment. He argued this format deviates from the requirements of the issued subpoena.

A Republican aide countered that witnesses in such interviews must still acknowledge their obligation to tell the truth and can face penalties for false testimony.

Garcia emphasized the importance of filming the testimony to capture Bondi's demeanor and provide public transparency, pointing out that recent appearances by former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton were recorded.

He noted that forgoing video represents a departure from handling other prominent witnesses. Republicans did not directly address the video concern in available responses.

“You have agreed to permit former Attorney General Pamela Bondi to appear before this Committee in a transcribed interview rather than a sworn deposition, which she is required to do pursuant to the subpoena that this Committee duly issued to her.”

Garcia also questioned Bondi's representation by Harmeet Dhillon, the Justice Department's assistant attorney general for civil rights. He suggested that if Dhillon represents Bondi personally, it could pose ethical conflicts and violate department policy without a waiver.

Bondi was subpoenaed in March following efforts led by Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), with support from four Republicans and all Democrats on the panel. The subpoena relates to Bondi's handling of files associated with Epstein. Bondi has since cooperated in scheduling the appearance, prompting the shift to a transcribed interview.

The Justice Department did not immediately respond to inquiries about Dhillon's role. Garcia further accused Republican leadership of using roundtables instead of formal hearings to limit motions for additional subpoenas.

Separate coverage highlighted calls for President Trump to address perceived weaponization at the Justice Department. This opinion urged breaking cycles of misuse, though it did not specify details related to Bondi's case. The sources did not connect this directly to the testimony arrangements.

Republicans maintained that the format encourages cooperation while preserving accountability. No date for Bondi's appearance was specified in the reports.