Comer issues subpoena to Bondi amid escalating probe into alleged Epstein cover-up

Comer seeks AG testimony, citing alleged 'mismanagement' in Epstein t**fficking files probe
PUBLISHED MAR 17, 2026
A subpoena has been issued for a spring deposition to examine possible ethics violations and the handling of the Epstein files (Getty Images)
A subpoena has been issued for a spring deposition to examine possible ethics violations and the handling of the Epstein files (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has issued a subpoena to Attorney General Pamela J. Bondi, requiring her to testify as part of its investigation into the federal handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case.

Committee Chairman James Comer announced Tuesday that Bondi has been directed to appear for a formal deposition on April 14, 2026.

The probe is examining the Justice Department’s handling of matters related to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, including investigative decisions and the circumstances surrounding Epstein’s death.

The subpoena follows a March 4 committee vote in which several Republicans joined Democrats to authorize the move.

Oversight investigates Epstein file management



The committee is reviewing the Justice Department’s compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, focusing on how records have been collected, reviewed, and released to the public.

Lawmakers say Bondi, as attorney general, oversees the department’s handling of these materials and can provide insight into internal decision-making processes.

The investigation is also examining whether Epstein and Maxwell were able to influence or evade scrutiny during earlier stages of federal investigations.

Committee members have said the review aims to clarify how high-profile cases involving t**fficking are managed at the federal level.

Bipartisan support drives deposition mandate

Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi is sworn in to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee during her confirmation hearing for U.S. Attorney General in the Hart Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on January 15, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
A rare bipartisan coalition in the House Oversight Committee triggered the legal mechanism to compel Attorney General Bondi’s testimony (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

The subpoena was authorized through a recorded vote on March 4, which included support from both parties. While Republicans hold the committee majority, several members crossed party lines to back the measure.

Lawmakers involved in the probe have pointed to concerns about the use of plea agreements and prosecutorial decisions in cases involving serious criminal allegations.

Under House Rules X and XI, the committee has the authority to compel testimony and request documents as part of its oversight responsibilities.

Legislative reforms target t**fficking

With photographs of former U.S. President Bill Clinton behind him, House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer (top right) (R-KY) speaks during a hearing at the U.S. Capitol January 21, 2026 in Washington, DC. The full committee was expected to vote on a markup of a resolution recommending that the House of Representatives find former U.S. President Bill Clinton and former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in contempt of Congress for refusal to comply with a subpoena issued by the committee related to the ongoing investigation into the Jeffrey Epstein files. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)
Beyond the Epstein files, the Committee is leveraging this investigation to draft new federal laws aimed at dismantling s*x-t**fficking networks and ending favorable plea deals for t**ffickers (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Committee officials have indicated that findings from the investigation could inform future legislative proposals related to federal anti t**fficking efforts.

The review is expected to focus on identifying gaps in enforcement and oversight, as well as potential changes to improve accountability within the Justice Department.

Bondi’s deposition is expected to address the department’s internal review processes and its handling of records tied to the Epstein case, as lawmakers continue their broader inquiry into federal investigative practices.

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