Justice Department says former Attorney General Pam Bondi won’t appear for Jeffrey Epstein deposition after being sacked by Trump

The U.S. Department of Justice said Wednesday that Pam Bondi will not appear for a scheduled deposition in the House Oversight Committee’s investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, citing that she is no longer serving as attorney general.
 

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The department said Bondi had been subpoenaed in her official capacity, not as a private individual. As a result, she is not obligated to testify before Congress on April 14 regarding her role in overseeing the release of investigative files related to Epstein, according to a letter from Assistant Attorney General Patrick D. Davis to Oversight Chairman James Comer.
 

“Ms. Bondi no longer holds that office. As a result, because she can no longer testify in her official capacity as Attorney General, the Department’s position is that the subpoena no longer obligates her to appear,” the letter stated, requesting confirmation that the subpoena be withdrawn.
 

However, members of the committee signaled they intend to press ahead.
 

A spokesperson for the Republican-led panel said it would reach out to Bondi’s personal legal team to discuss next steps in arranging her deposition.
 

Top Democrat on the panel, Robert Garcia, insisted the subpoena still applies regardless of Bondi’s current role.
 

“Our bipartisan subpoena is to Pam Bondi, whether she is the Attorney General or not. She must come in to testify immediately, and if she defies the subpoena, we will begin contempt proceedings in Congress,” Garcia said.

The subpoena was issued last month with bipartisan support, including backing from several Republicans.
 

Republican lawmaker Nancy Mace, who led the effort, also argued that the subpoena remains valid, emphasizing that it was directed at Bondi personally, not just her title.
 

“The American people deserve answers, and we expect her to appear as soon as a new date is set,” she said.
 

Earlier this week, Mace and Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna urged Comer to publicly reaffirm that Bondi would still testify.

Comer, who previously expressed reservations about the necessity of the subpoena, said he would consult with fellow Republicans before deciding on the next steps. He had earlier indicated he intended to move forward with all subpoenas related to the investigation.

Bondi’s position within the administration had reportedly weakened prior to her removal, partly due to criticism over her handling of the Epstein case.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said Tuesday that decisions regarding the subpoena would be left to Congress to resolve.