Former attorney general Pam Bondi will not testify on Epstein files next week, justice department says

April 8, 2026

The Justice Department has informed the House Oversight Committee that former Attorney General Pam Bondi will not attend her scheduled April 14 deposition regarding the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, citing that she was subpoenaed in her official capacity and has since been removed from that position by President Trump. Congressional members from both parties are demanding that Bondi fulfill her legal obligation to testify, with some threatening contempt charges if she refuses to appear. The controversy stems from concerns about potential mismanagement of the Justice Department's handling of Epstein investigation files, particularly after their release following congressionally-mandated legislation drew bipartisan criticism for both revealing survivor information and allegedly concealing certain identities.

Who is affected

Pam Bondi (former US Attorney General)
The House Oversight Committee
Jeffrey Epstein survivors whose identifying information may not have been properly obscured
Nancy Mace (Republican committee member)
James Comer (Republican committee chairman)
Robert Garcia (Ranking Democrat on committee)
Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (already testified)
Bill Gates (scheduled to testify)
Howard Lutnick, US Commerce Secretary (expected to testify)
President Donald Trump and his administration
The American public seeking transparency about the Epstein investigation

What action is being taken

The Justice Department is refusing to have Bondi testify on the scheduled April 14 date
Committee members Nancy Mace and Robert Garcia are pushing for Bondi to testify
The House Oversight Committee is conducting testimony from high-profile figures in the Epstein case
Congress is conducting oversight of the Justice Department's handling of Epstein investigation files

Why it matters

This situation is significant because it raises questions about accountability and transparency in a high-profile criminal investigation involving a convicted sex offender with connections to powerful individuals. The handling of the Epstein files affects survivors' privacy and the public's right to know about potential misconduct, while the dispute over Bondi's testimony highlights tensions between executive authority and congressional oversight powers. Bipartisan concern suggests widespread belief that the Justice Department may have mishandled critical information about Epstein and his associates, making oversight crucial for restoring public trust.

What's next

Bill Gates is scheduled to testify in June
Howard Lutnick is expected to testify in the coming weeks
Committee members may pursue contempt charges against Bondi if she defies the subpoena
The committee may take action to reaffirm Bondi's legal obligation to appear for deposition at a later date

Read full article from source: BBC