Congress Issues Subpoena for AG Bondi Over Epstein Document Handling

Attorney General Pam Bondi has been subpoenaed by a House committee to testify about the Justice Department's management of Jeffrey Epstein investigation files. The Republican-led committee wants answers about the agency's compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The subpoena comes amid criticism over document redactions and handling of the file release process.

WASHINGTON — A congressional committee has issued a subpoena compelling Attorney General Pam Bondi to testify about how the Justice Department has managed Jeffrey Epstein investigation documents and the agency’s handling of millions of records connected to the convicted financier.

The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has mandated that Bondi appear for questioning on April 14, following a committee vote from earlier this month that received backing from five Republican members.

The Justice Department’s inability to block the subpoena from the GOP-controlled committee highlights growing frustration within President Donald Trump’s own political supporters regarding Bondi’s oversight of reviewing and releasing the extensive collection of documents from Epstein’s criminal case.

Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer explained the reasoning in correspondence to Bondi, stating: “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.”

Comer further noted in his letter: “As Attorney General, you are directly responsible for overseeing the Department’s collection, review, and determinations regarding the release of files pursuant to the Epstein Files Transparency Act, and the Committee therefore believes that you possess valuable insight into these efforts.”

The Justice Department responded Tuesday by characterizing the subpoena as “completely unnecessary.” Officials indicated that Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche were scheduled to conduct a closed-door briefing with committee members on Wednesday.

Department representatives emphasized in their statement: “Lawmakers have been invited to view the unredacted files for themselves at the Department of Justice, and the Attorney General has always made herself available to speak directly with members of Congress.” The agency expressed its commitment to “continuing to provide policymakers with the facts.”

The Trump administration has encountered ongoing political challenges since document releases commenced in December, with detractors claiming the department has concealed certain records and excessively censored materials. Additionally, some victims have criticized the agency for careless redaction work that exposed their private information.

Department officials have vigorously defended their approach to the Epstein document process, asserting they operated with maximum speed and thoroughness to examine and publish the millions of records mandated by federal law. The agency has rejected claims that redactions were used to shield specific individuals or that materials were inappropriately withheld, and has stated it promptly addressed any redaction mistakes brought to their attention by victims.