WASHINGTON, United States — A powerful congressional panel has formally summoned Attorney General Pam Bondi to testify over her handling of the investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, intensifying scrutiny of the Justice Department’s actions.
The subpoena was issued by the Republican chairman of the House Oversight Committee, James Comer, who said the panel is probing the “possible mismanagement” of the high-profile case.
The move follows mounting pressure within Congress, including a push by Republican lawmaker Nancy Mace, who recently introduced a motion seeking to compel Bondi’s testimony. Mace accused the Justice Department of orchestrating a “cover-up” in its handling and release of files linked to Epstein.
In a sharply worded response, a spokesperson for the US Department of Justice dismissed the subpoena as unnecessary, stating that lawmakers had already been granted access to unredacted materials.
“This subpoena is completely unnecessary,” the department told media outlets, adding that members of Congress had been invited to review the files directly and that the Attorney General had remained available for engagement.
At the centre of the dispute is the government’s compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which US President Donald Trump signed into law last November. The law compels the Justice Department to release all materials related to its investigations into Epstein and his associates.
While millions of documents have since been made public, the process has triggered bipartisan criticism. Lawmakers argue the department failed to adequately protect the identities of victims in some instances, while allegedly shielding the names of individuals not classified as victims.
Comer, in his letter, said the committee requires clarity on how the department handled the collection, review, and release of the sensitive files. “The Committee believes that you possess valuable insight into these efforts,” he wrote, emphasising Bondi’s direct oversight role.
Bondi has been asked to appear before the committee on April 14. She has not publicly indicated whether she will comply, though failure to appear could escalate tensions between Congress and the executive branch.
The controversy has revived political and public interest in the Epstein case, which has long drawn scrutiny due to its links to influential figures. The Justice Department maintains it has continued to provide policymakers with factual updates and access to relevant records.
If she testifies, Bondi will join a growing list of high-profile figures called before the oversight panel. Among those who have recently appeared are former US President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
