Trump's ex-attorney general dodges Epstein testimony
Pam Bondi will not testify on Epstein files, sparking cover-up accusations and threats of Congressional contempt charges.
The Justice Department has argued that former U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, fired by President Donald Trump last week, does not have to appear before Congress to testify about her handling of the investigation into late financier and convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. In a letter, the DOJ contended that Bondi was summoned in her official capacity, a role she no longer holds, rendering the demand invalid. However, lawmakers from both parties insist she remains legally obligated to appear.
Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace and Democrat Ro Khanna stated that Bondi's removal does not diminish the Committee's legitimate oversight interests. Mace stressed that Bondi cannot escape accountability simply because she no longer holds office, and that her testimony is now even more important. Democratic Representative Robert Garcia has threatened to initiate Congressional contempt proceedings if Bondi fails to appear, demanding she testify immediately about the Epstein files and an alleged White House cover-up.
Critics note that the DOJ's reasoning contradicts the fact that six former attorney generals have already testified in the Epstein case, including Loretta Lynch and Bill Barr. Bondi's refusal comes as the Trump administration's handling of the Epstein files faces mounting backlash, particularly since Congress passed a law requiring the release of all unclassified records related to Epstein, who died in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
In February 2025, Bondi told Fox News that Epstein's client list was on her desk for review, fueling expectations of explosive revelations. By July, however, the DOJ announced that no such list ever existed and it had no plans to release additional documents. Her refusal to publish the full Epstein files has been widely ridiculed by both Democrats and Republicans, with reports indicating she even had to move into military housing due to mounting threats. Meanwhile, the House Oversight Committee continues its investigation, with Bill Gates scheduled to testify in a closed-door interview in June.
