Epstein Files Investigation: Bondi Testifies, Then Removed
Committee Investigation and Testimony
Subpoena and Deposition Proceedings
The House Oversight Committee voted 24-19 to subpoena Pam Bondi for a deposition, with five Republican representatives joining Democrats in support of the motion introduced by Rep. Nancy Mace.
The interview was conducted as a closed-door, transcribed hearing without video recording. Democrats criticized this format and called for a public, videotaped, and sworn deposition.
The committee has stated it plans to release the transcript of Bondi's testimony, as it has done with other Epstein-related depositions.
Key Testimony
During her opening statement, Bondi stated that to the best of her knowledge, the Department of Justice publicly released all documents and evidence required under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. She acknowledged that "redaction errors" occurred in the release of records.
Bondi stated that she delegated oversight of the document review to then-Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche and said she was assured that the only withheld materials were non-responsive, privileged, or duplicative.
Democratic Representative Robert Garcia stated that Bondi refused to answer questions about President Trump, including whether Trump directed her regarding the Epstein files. Rep. James Walkinshaw of Virginia reported that when asked whether Trump had knowledge of Epstein's crimes, Bondi responded, "I'm not certain of the extent of his knowledge."
Bondi's attorney at the hearing included Harmeet Dhillon, then-Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, a presence that Democrats questioned as a potential conflict of interest.
DOJ Refusal to Produce Former Attorney General
Following Bondi's removal as Attorney General, the Justice Department informed the committee that Bondi would not appear for further deposition, stating the subpoena no longer obligated her after she left the role.
The committee spokeswoman stated that the subpoena was issued to "Pam Bondi," not specifically "the Attorney General," and indicated the committee would contact Bondi's personal counsel to reschedule.
Epstein File Release and Controversies
Document Release Process
The Epstein Files Transparency Act, co-authored by Rep. Ro Khanna and Rep. Thomas Massie, required the DOJ to release millions of pages of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein.
Bondi stated that over 500 attorneys and reviewers examined millions of pages and released more than 3 million pages and 180,000 images.
Rep. Nancy Mace stated that the department has not released all files and indicated that millions more documents are outstanding, including videos, audio, and logs.
Criticisms and Allegations
Several criticisms have been raised regarding the document release:
- Inadequate redactions: Critics allege the release exposed victims' identities
- Withholding of documents: Lawmakers and survivors say some files remain withheld
- Redaction of names: Names of potential perpetrators were redacted without explanation
- Demand for a "client list": Bondi claimed in February 2025 she had an Epstein client list, which did not materialize
DOJ Internal Review
The Justice Department has announced it is investigating whether it improperly withheld documents. This inquiry follows reports that some records, including summaries of FBI interviews involving uncorroborated accusations against President Trump, were not among those initially released.
Leadership Changes at the Justice Department
Removal of Attorney General Bondi
President Trump removed Pam Bondi from her position as U.S. Attorney General. The president confirmed the change on Truth Social, stating Bondi would transition to a new private sector role.
Reports indicated the decision stemmed from dissatisfaction with the pace and success of prosecutions against individuals perceived as political adversaries of the president.
Appointment of Acting Attorney General
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche was appointed Acting Attorney General. Blanche previously served as President Trump's personal lawyer and represented him in the federal prosecution concerning alleged withholding of classified documents.
Potential Permanent Replacement
Lee Zeldin, Senate-confirmed administrator of the EPA and former New York congressman, has been identified as a likely permanent replacement.
Additional Leadership Considerations
Reports indicate discussions about further changes:
- Harmeet Dhillon: Discussed for promotion to Associate Attorney General
- Stanley Woodward: Current Associate Attorney General discussed for potential demotion
Justice Department Actions Under Bondi's Tenure
Personnel Changes
During Bondi's approximately one-year term, the Justice Department experienced significant organizational changes:
- Career prosecutors and FBI officials involved in Capitol riot cases or Trump investigations were dismissed
- The public corruption prosecution section was reduced
- The Civil Rights Division experienced the departure of over 75% of its attorneys, many through buy-outs or early retirements
Investigations and Prosecutions
The Justice Department initiated multiple criminal investigations into individuals perceived as political opponents of President Trump:
- Indictments against James Comey and Letitia James: Dismissed by a federal judge; DOJ is appealing
- Probes into Sen. Adam Schiff, Rep. Eric Swalwell, and Federal Reserve Board member Lisa Cook: Have not resulted in charges
- Subpoenas related to Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell: Quashed by a federal judge
Civil Rights Division Changes
Under Harmeet Dhillon's leadership, the Civil Rights Division has:
- Launched investigations into DEI policies at universities
- Filed lawsuits to prevent transgender athletes from participating in girls' sports
- Established a new section focused on gun rights
- Altered efforts to establish consent decrees with police departments in Minneapolis and Louisville
In an open letter, more than 200 former Civil Rights Division attorneys alleged that Dhillon's leadership was undermining the division, established by the 1957 Civil Rights Act.
Survivor and Lawmaker Statements
Survivor Reactions
Epstein survivors gathered outside the hearing room and raised concerns regarding:
- Inadequate protection of victim identities in released documents
- The inclusion of nude photos and pornography in the released materials
- The need for accountability regarding handling of potential victims' personal information
Dani Bensky, an Epstein survivor, stated: "We haven't seen the full release of the files, so that's already a violation of the law."
Congressional Statements
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.): "The American people want answers on the Epstein files, and so do we."
Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), ranking Democrat: Accused Bondi of leading a "White House cover-up" regarding the Epstein files.
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.): Stated that "the cover-up continues" and pledged to fight for accountability.
Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.): Stated he hopes to ask questions about why perpetrators' names were not released, wants justice for survivors, and is taking the investigation seriously.
Background
Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial for trafficking and sexually abusing underage girls. President Trump was acquainted with Epstein in the 1990s and early 2000s. Trump has not been charged related to Epstein.
The controversy surrounding the Epstein files began after Bondi claimed in February 2025 that she had an Epstein client list, which did not materialize.
Congress subsequently passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act compelling the DOJ to release Epstein records. The release was partially delayed due to the volume of files and redaction sensitivity.
Cabinet-Level Personnel Changes
President Trump's removal of Bondi followed the earlier dismissal of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in March. These actions have been reported as a shift from the first year of Trump's second term.
Officials identified as potentially at risk of further personnel changes include:
- Labor Department Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer (under internal investigation)
- FBI Director Kash Patel (following negative headlines)
- Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick (facing internal criticism but maintaining a longstanding friendship with the president)