The Justice Department informed the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday that former Attorney General Pam Bondi will not appear for a scheduled deposition next week regarding the handling of Jeffrey Epstein files.

Bondi, who served as U.S. Attorney General from February 2025 until her dismissal by President Trump on April 2, was subpoenaed on March 17 by the bipartisan House Oversight and Government Reform Committee for a deposition on April 14. The DOJ argued that the subpoena targeted Bondi in her official capacity as attorney general, relieving her of the obligation now that she has left the post.

House Oversight Ranking Member Robert Garcia, D-Calif., immediately rejected the DOJ's position. "Now that Pam Bondi has been fired, she's trying to get out of her legal obligation to testify before the Oversight Committee about the Epstein files and the White House cover-up," Garcia stated. "Our bipartisan subpoena is to Pam Bondi, whether she is the Attorney General or not. She must come in to testify immediately, and if she defies the subpoena, we will begin contempt charges in the Congress."

The subpoena stemmed from ongoing congressional scrutiny of the DOJ's management of Epstein-related documents under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Lawmakers from both parties have criticized delays in releasing files connected to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, whose case involved high-profile figures and allegations of mishandling by federal authorities.

Democrats previously walked out of a March briefing with Bondi, accusing her of evading sworn testimony. Tensions escalated after Trump's ouster of Bondi, which sources attributed partly to frustration over the Epstein files probe.

Some Republicans have joined Democrats in pushing for Bondi's testimony. Representatives Ro Khanna, D-Calif., and Nancy Mace, R-S.C., sent a letter to Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., urging enforcement of the subpoena regardless of Bondi's status. "The removal of Pam Bondi as attorney general does not diminish the committee’s legitimate oversight interests," they wrote.

Comer has not publicly committed to pursuing contempt proceedings, which would require a committee vote and potential House floor approval before referral to the DOJ for prosecution. Legal experts note that contempt charges against private citizens for defying congressional subpoenas are rare but possible.

Bondi's tenure as attorney general drew bipartisan fire over the Epstein matter, including prior refusals to answer questions in congressional hearings. The controversy highlights ongoing partisan battles over transparency in the Epstein investigation, which has produced thousands of pages of documents but left many questions unanswered.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche is serving as acting attorney general following Bondi's departure.