House Oversight Chair James Comer issued a subpoena Tuesday ordering Attorney General Pam Bondi to appear for a deposition on April 14. The move is tied to the committee’s ongoing investigation into what Comer called the “possible mismanagement of the federal government’s investigation” into Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.
Comer made it clear the panel wants direct answers. “The Committee has questions regarding the Department of Justice’s handling of the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein and his associates and its compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act,” he wrote.
At the same time, the Justice Department is trying to stay ahead of the situation. Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche are scheduled to brief lawmakers behind closed doors after the DOJ requested the meeting to address concerns and questions quickly.
Still, the subpoena is not sitting well with the department. A DOJ spokesperson pushed back, calling it “completely unnecessary,” and added, “Lawmakers have been invited to view the unredacted files for themselves at the Department of Justice.”
However, frustration is growing on both sides of the aisle. Critics argue the released Epstein files were too heavily redacted, raising more questions than answers. Comer doubled down, noting Bondi’s role.
“As Attorney General, you are directly responsible for overseeing the Department’s collection, review, and determinations,” he wrote.
Rep. Robert Garcia also spoke out, saying, “No more lies. No more distractions. We want the truth—and justice for the survivors.”
Now, all eyes are on April 14.
