Pam Bondi to Testify on Epstein Case Before Congress

Former Attorney General Pam Bondi is scheduled to testify before House lawmakers about the Jeffrey Epstein sexual abuse cases. This appearance renews the scrutiny of the Trump administration’s handling of the Epstein case files. Previously, Bondi exhibited a defiant stance when questioned by lawmakers about her role in the Epstein investigation. It remains uncertain if she will maintain the same approach during her testimony on Friday, now that she no longer holds a position in the Justice Department. The session will take place behind closed doors.

Lawmakers hope Bondi’s transcribed interview will provide insight into how the Trump administration managed the release of the Epstein files. The interview may also address issues such as the prison sentence of Epstein’s former associate, Ghislaine Maxwell. “I think she absolutely could clear up many missing pieces if she wanted to,” mentioned Rep. Yassamin Ansari, a Democrat from Arizona on the House Oversight Committee. “Now it’s a question of whether or not she is willing to be transparent.”

Epstein died in a New York City jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial. Maxwell, a British socialite, was found guilty in 2021 of luring teenage girls for Epstein to abuse. She maintains her innocence, arguing against her prosecution. In August, the Justice Department moved Maxwell from a federal prison in Florida to a prison camp in Texas. Lawmakers seek to investigate the decisions made by prosecutors regarding Epstein’s associates and how the Justice Department managed the congressional mandate for releasing Epstein case files.

Despite her departure from the Justice Department in early April, Bondi continues to maintain connections within the Republican circles. This week, Trump appointed her to a White House panel on artificial intelligence. During her appearance on Friday, Bondi will be accompanied by Harmeet Dhillon, who leads the department’s Civil Rights Division, acting as her counsel. Democrats describe this arrangement as a conflict of interest.

A Justice Department spokesperson clarified that the officials are present to aid lawmakers in understanding the process of releasing the case files. Bondi has been a key figure in the controversy surrounding the Epstein files. Initially, she raised expectations for the comprehensive release of the files but later reversed this position, prompting legislative action to mandate the release.

Bondi faced backlash when the Justice Department delayed releasing the files and included personal information about potential victims. She insisted in congressional hearings that her actions were in compliance with the law. Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared before a House Judiciary Committee oversight hearing on Capitol Hill in February 2026, speaking in front of survivors of Epstein’s crimes.

The House Oversight Committee has been conducting an extensive investigation into Epstein that spans multiple presidential administrations. Earlier this year, in March, Bondi was subpoenaed by the committee with a bipartisan vote. She attempted to circumvent this demand by meeting with lawmakers behind closed doors, a move that increased tension with Democrats on the committee.

Bondi’s departure from the Justice Department raised concerns over the enforcement of the congressional subpoena. Although pressured for a civil contempt of Congress resolution against her, she agreed to a transcribed interview instead of a sworn deposition. Democrats have criticized this arrangement, arguing it allows Bondi to evade questions. They also urged the committee’s Republican chair, Rep. James Comer of Kentucky, to record the interview on video.

Chairman Comer stated that the committee is offering Bondi a transcribed interview as an incentive for her cooperation. Previously, he enforced subpoenas on former officials like Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton, with their depositions being videotaped. However, Comer warned that Bondi could face legal consequences if she provides false information to Congress. The committee intends to release a transcript of the interview. “Hopefully that will be good enough,” Comer added.