Pam Bondi Testifies Behind Closed Doors on the Justice Department’s Handling of Epstein Files

Former Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared before the House Oversight Committee in a closed-door, transcribed interview on Friday. The session, held without video, let lawmakers probe the Justice Department’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case files and any alleged Trump involvement. Bondi was accompanied by DOJ officials, including Civil Rights Division head Harmeet Dhillon, as counsel.

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Congress passed a law mandating the release of the so-called “Epstein files.” Bondi initially promised full disclosure, later backtracked, prompting committee intervention. Key actors include Bondi; Democrats Rep. Yassamin Ansari and Rep. Robert Garcia; Republican chair Rep. James Comer; DOJ’s Harmeet Dhillon; and President Donald Trump, who recently placed Bondi on a White House AI advisory panel.

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In March 2024 the Oversight Committee voted bipartisan to subpoena Bondi. She held a closed-door meeting with members that month, heightening Democratic frustration. Bondi left the Justice Department in early April, raising enforcement questions. On Friday she participated in a transcribed interview rather than a sworn deposition, while Democrats pressed Rep. Comer for a video.

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The interview could determine whether Bondi or other officials face contempt or prosecution for misleading Congress, influencing trust in the Justice Department’s compliance with legislative mandates. Survivors of Epstein’s abuse have called for full file disclosure, arguing that transparency is essential for accountability and to prevent future exploitation.

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A Justice Department spokesperson said officials were there to help lawmakers understand the file-release process. Rep. James Comer warned that Bondi could be prosecuted for false testimony and announced that a transcript of the interview would be released publicly. The White House noted Bondi’s recent AI panel appointment.

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Democrats argue that a transcript allows Bondi to decline answering questions and creates a conflict of interest with DOJ officials present. Rep. Robert Garcia warned that lacking a video would be a grave injustice to the public and Epstein survivors. The committee’s refusal to record the interview fuels a procedural dispute over subpoena enforcement.

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• “I think she absolutely could clear up many missing pieces if she wanted to,” — Rep. Yassamin Ansari, Democrat, House Oversight Committee

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• “Now it’s a question of whether or not she is willing to be transparent.” — Rep. Yassamin Ansari, Democrat, House Oversight Committee

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• “A failure to film and release a video of Ms. Bondi’s testimony would present a grave injustice to the American people and survivors of Epstein’s crimes,” — Rep. Robert Garcia, Democrat, House Oversight Committee

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• “Hopefully that will be good enough,” — Rep. James Comer, Republican, Chair of the House Oversight Committee

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The Oversight Committee will publish the interview transcript, consider a civil contempt resolution, and may refer the matter to the Justice Department for possible prosecution. The probe into the Trump administration’s role in the Epstein file release will continue.

Associated Press