Former Attorney General Pam Bondi has declined to comply with a congressional subpoena requiring her to testify before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee regarding her handling of files related to Jeffrey Epstein, according to reporting by Axios.
The committee had scheduled Bondi's appearance for next week as part of a months-long investigation into how the Justice Department managed documents connected to the late financier and convicted sex offender. Bondi was removed from her position as attorney general earlier this month.
Bipartisan frustration
Lawmakers from both parties have expressed frustration with the Justice Department's approach to the Epstein files, and members of the committee viewed Bondi's testimony as central to advancing their inquiry. The investigation has drawn attention from across the political spectrum, reflecting broad public interest in how federal authorities have handled records connected to Epstein's alleged criminal network.
Prior to her departure from the Justice Department, Bondi had told reporters she intended to cooperate with the investigation, making her decision to defy the subpoena a notable reversal.
Background
Epstein died in a federal detention facility in August 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. His death was ruled a suicide, though it has remained a subject of widespread scrutiny. Demands for the release of documents related to his associates and alleged co-conspirators have persisted for years, fueling ongoing congressional interest.
The House Oversight Committee's investigation represents one of several efforts by legislators to obtain a fuller accounting of the circumstances surrounding Epstein's activities and the federal government's response to them.
Bondi's refusal to appear raises questions about what steps the committee may take next, including whether it will pursue enforcement of the subpoena. The committee has not yet publicly detailed its response to her non-compliance, according to available reporting.
