DOJ Says Former AG Bondi No Longer Obligated to Testify in Epstein Probe

Oversight Committee vows to pursue Bondi's testimony despite her departure from DOJ

Apr. 10, 2026 at 12:00am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty government office or hearing room, with warm light streaming in through a window and deep shadows cast across the room, conveying a sense of unresolved tension and political drama.The House Oversight Committee's pursuit of former Attorney General Pam Bondi's testimony on the Epstein matter continues, despite the DOJ's claim that her subpoena is no longer valid.Washington Today

The Department of Justice has informed the House Oversight Committee that former Attorney General Pam Bondi is no longer obligated to testify in the committee's investigation into the Epstein matter, as she was subpoenaed in her official capacity as AG. The DOJ argues the subpoena is now moot since Bondi is no longer in that role after being removed from office last week by President Trump. However, the Oversight Committee says it will continue to pursue Bondi's testimony as the probe continues.

Why it matters

Bondi's handling of the Epstein documents and the DOJ's compliance with the Epstein Transparency Act have been sources of bipartisan consternation on the Oversight Committee. Her testimony was seen as crucial to understanding the government's actions around the Epstein case, and the committee is determined to get answers despite her departure from the DOJ.

The details

The DOJ informed the Oversight Committee that since Bondi was subpoenaed in her official capacity as Attorney General, and she is no longer in that role, 'the subpoena no longer obligates her to appear on April 14.' However, the committee has signaled it will continue to pursue Bondi's testimony, with Ranking Member Rep. Robert Garcia arguing the subpoena still applies even though she is no longer leading the DOJ. Republican Rep. Nancy Mace, also on the Oversight Committee, has encouraged the chairman to 'hold the line' and publicly call for Bondi to testify.

  • Bondi had been expected to testify behind closed doors on April 14, pursuant to the committee's bipartisan subpoena.
  • Bondi was removed from office as Attorney General by President Trump last week.

The players

Pam Bondi

Former U.S. Attorney General who was subpoenaed by the House Oversight Committee to testify about the Epstein matter, but is no longer obligated to do so after being removed from office.

James Comer

Chair of the House Oversight Committee, which issued the subpoena to Bondi.

Robert Garcia

Ranking Member of the House Oversight Committee, who argues Bondi must still testify despite no longer being Attorney General.

Nancy Mace

Republican member of the House Oversight Committee who called for Bondi to testify and is encouraging the chairman to 'hold the line.'

Patrick D. Davis

Assistant Attorney General who informed the House Oversight Committee that Bondi is no longer obligated to testify.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“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. 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.”

— Robert Garcia, Ranking Member, House Oversight Committee

“Bondi's removal as Attorney General doesn't erase her obligation to testify and does not end Congressional oversight. The American people deserve to know whether Congress was misled and whether information about Jeffrey Epstein and his associates is being withheld. Pam Bondi has answers.”

— Nancy Mace, Member, House Oversight Committee

What’s next

The House Oversight Committee signaled it will continue to pursue Bondi's testimony as its investigation stretches deeper into the summer. A committee spokesperson said they will contact Bondi's personal counsel to discuss next steps regarding scheduling her deposition.

The takeaway

This dispute over Bondi's testimony highlights the ongoing tensions between the legislative and executive branches over congressional oversight, particularly in high-profile investigations like the Epstein case. The Oversight Committee is determined to get answers, even as the DOJ argues Bondi is no longer obligated to comply with the subpoena.