DOJ kills Bondi's Epstein testimony as Nancy Mace fires back: 'She was subpoenaed by name'

WASHINGTON, DC: The Department of Justice has informed the House Oversight Committee that former Attorney General Pam Bondi will not appear for her scheduled deposition on April 14, setting up a standoff between congressional investigators and the department.

The development comes days after President Donald J Trump announced Bondi’s removal from the post.

According to a committee spokesperson, the DOJ said Bondi would not testify because she was subpoenaed in her official capacity as Attorney General, a position she no longer holds.

The committee has indicated it will now attempt to contact Bondi’s personal legal counsel to arrange testimony outside the department’s involvement.

Bondi had previously stated she would remain at the department for a transition period of up to one month to assist acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.

Bipartisan coalition demands witness accountability

The DOJ’s position has drawn criticism from members of both parties on the Oversight Committee. Representative Nancy Mace (R-SC), who supported the subpoena alongside Democrats, said Bondi remains obligated to testify regardless of her current status.

“She was subpoenaed by name,” Mace said, arguing that leaving office does not remove the requirement to comply with congressional oversight. Several lawmakers have indicated they view the issue as a matter of institutional authority rather than a partisan dispute.

Representative Ro Khanna (D-Calif) also called for Bondi to appear, stating in a letter to Chairman James Comer that her status as a private citizen could allow for broader testimony.

Khanna said the committee is seeking clarity on decisions related to the Department of Justice’s handling of matters connected to Jeffrey Epstein.

Todd Blanche defers to Congress on Pam Bondi Testimony

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has declined to provide detailed guidance on the situation. When asked about the DOJ’s position on Bondi’s testimony, Blanche said he would defer to ongoing discussions between the department and Congress.

“I will leave it to Chairman Comer to work out with others,” Blanche told reporters, adding that he did not have additional information to share.

Lawmakers have raised questions about the timing of the decision, noting that Bondi remains involved in departmental transition activities but is not appearing before Congress.

The DOJ has not issued a detailed public explanation beyond its position on the scope of the original subpoena.

Unreleased Epstein files and prosecution delays

The Oversight Committee has indicated that Bondi’s testimony is tied to questions surrounding the handling of Epstein-related materials, including the status of unreleased documents and investigative decisions.

Members of the committee have pointed to the absence of new prosecutions in recent months and have requested clarification on internal processes within the department. The DOJ has not publicly commented on specific investigative steps or timelines.

The committee is expected to consider further options, including legal measures, to secure testimony. Coordination with Bondi’s personal legal team is underway as lawmakers seek to move forward with the inquiry.