House Democrats Walk Out of Briefing with Attorney General Pam Bondi

On Wednesday, House Democrats walked out of a briefing with Attorney General Pam Bondi, expressing frustration over her noncommittal responses regarding a subpoena from the House Oversight Committee. The session was intended to address the Justice Department's investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) stated, “We asked her multiple times, ‘Are you going to come and speak with us under oath?’ She would not say yes,” highlighting the Democrats' lack of trust in Bondi's willingness to comply with the subpoena.

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The briefing, which also included Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, was criticized by Democrats as a “fake hearing” lacking public transparency. They argued that Bondi's failure to commit to testifying under oath undermined the integrity of the investigation. Bondi maintained that she would “follow the law,” a statement she reiterated during the briefing. However, this assurance did not satisfy the Democrats, who were seeking a more definitive commitment to comply with the subpoena issued by House Oversight Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) the day prior.

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Democratic representatives voiced their discontent not only with Bondi's responses but also with the conduct of the committee's leadership. Rep. Summer Lee (D-Pa.) confronted Comer about whether he would compel Bondi to testify if she failed to comply with the subpoena. Lee described the briefing as a “farce,” criticizing Comer for dismissing her concerns by saying she was “bitching.” This exchange was later confirmed by Comer, who faced backlash for his demeanor during the closed-door session.

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In response to the Democrats' walkout, a spokesperson for House Oversight Republicans accused them of orchestrating a “partisan stunt.” The spokesperson claimed that both Bondi and Blanche had answered substantive questions and that the Democrats were more interested in theatrics than in seeking justice for Epstein's survivors. Comer indicated that he would proceed with the subpoena but did not commit to pursuing criminal contempt should Bondi refuse to comply.

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While Democrats assert that Bondi's responses were evasive and insufficient, Republicans contend that the briefing was productive and that Bondi was forthcoming. This divergence in perspectives highlights the ongoing partisan tensions surrounding the investigation into Epstein and the Justice Department's handling of the case.

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• “We want her under oath because we do not trust her.” — Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.)

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• “This has been completely set up in a way that’s been irresponsible.” — Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.)

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• “If C-SPAN and the public were there, I’d imagine that he would not act that way.” — Rep. Summer Lee (D-Pa.)

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• “This was clearly the Democrats’ plan all along: to walk out of the briefing the DOJ offered to provide,” — House Oversight Republicans Spokesperson

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