Pam Bondi Will Not Testify in Epstein Probe

The U.S. Department of Justice has announced that former attorney general Pam Bondi will not testify before a congressional committee on April 14, 2026, regarding the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. The decision follows the removal of Bondi from her position as the nation’s top law enforcement officer by President Donald Trump last week.

The Justice Department informed the House Oversight Committee that Bondi will not appear for the scheduled deposition because she was subpoenaed in her capacity as Attorney General. Since she no longer holds that office, the department maintains she will not testify.

Congressional Response and Legal Obligations

Members of the House Oversight Committee have challenged the Justice Department’s position. Representative Nancy Mace, a Republican member of the committee, stated that the change in Bondi’s employment status does not erase her obligation to testify and does not end Congressional oversight.

Mace called upon the Republican chairman of the committee, James Comer, to publicly reaffirm Bondi’s legal requirement to appear for the deposition. Mace argued that the public has a right to know if Congress was misled or if information regarding Jeffrey Epstein and his associates is being withheld.

Ranking Democrat Robert Garcia expressed similar views, stating that Bondi must testify immediately. Garcia indicated that the committee would begin contempt charges if she defies the subpoena.

Background on the Epstein Investigation Inquiry

Earlier in 2026, James Comer issued a subpoena letter formally summoning Bondi to answer questions regarding the possible mismanagement of the Justice Department’s investigation into the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The Trump administration and Bondi have faced pressure from various political factions to release all documents related to Epstein. This issue became a point of contention within the administration, as the handling of the Epstein files was described as a reputational liability.

Circumstances of Bondi’s Removal

President Trump removed Pam Bondi from her role as attorney general approximately six days prior to April 9, 2026. Following her dismissal, it was noted that Bondi would be moving to a position in the private sector.

In a public post announcing the firing, President Trump praised Bondi as a loyal friend and patriot, stating she had done a tremendous job in overseeing a crackdown on crime.

However, reports indicate that Trump’s frustration with Bondi’s leadership had been growing, specifically concerning the delays in cases related to the Epstein files. Trump stated in a post directed at Bondi that these delays were killing our reputation and credibility.

The president has frequently sought unrestricted control over the Justice Department to pursue specific investigations, even when advised that evidence was lacking.

Pam Bondi has not commented on the Justice Department’s decision regarding her testimony or her removal from office.