Bondi Was Fired. Now the DOJ Is Trying to Get Her Out of Testifying About Epstein.
The big picture: Despite a subpoena requiring her appearance, the DOJ is arguing that Pam Bondi no longer needs to testify before the House Oversight Committee about the Epstein files because she’s no longer attorney general. Both Democrats and Republicans on the committee disagree. Rep. Nancy Mace (R) says the subpoena was “for Bondi by name, not by title.” Rep. Robert Garcia (D) is threatening contempt charges. The committee says it will contact Bondi’s personal counsel to schedule her deposition.
Why it matters: Trump reportedly fired Bondi in part over the Epstein file handling. She was subpoenaed to testify under oath about those same files. AND now the agency she just got fired from is trying to protect her from having to speak under oath about it. If she doesn’t appear, the question isn’t just what she knows — it’s why the DOJ is still shielding her after the president himself fired her over it.
The DOJ’s argument: Assistant AG Patrick Davis wrote to Chairman Comer: “Ms. Bondi no longer holds that office. The subpoena no longer obligates her to appear.” He asked the committee to confirm the subpoena is withdrawn.
The bipartisan response: Mace (R): The subpoena was “for Bondi by name, not by title. The American people deserve answers.” Mace and Khanna (D) in a joint letter: “The removal of Pam Bondi does not diminish the Committee’s legitimate oversight interests. On the contrary, it makes her sworn testimony even more important.” Garcia (D): “If she defies the subpoena, we will begin contempt charges. The survivors deserve justice.”
The contempt math: Contempt requires 3 Republican committee members + a full House vote. Bondi has few defenders after being fired by Trump. Both parties on the committee want her to appear. The votes may be easier to get than expected.
The chairman: Comer says he’s not sure how to proceed and wants to talk to Republicans over the weekend. For now, he plans to move forward with the subpoena. The DOJ says it “remains committed to working cooperatively.” Bondi herself has not responded.
By the numbers:
1 — subpoena issued, by name
0 — responses from Bondi
3 — Republican committee votes needed for contempt
0 — chance the DOJ’s “she’s not AG anymore” argument impresses the committee
The bottom line: Trump fired her over the Epstein files. The committee subpoenaed her by name to testify about those files. The DOJ — the agency she just got fired from — is now trying to shield her from testifying under oath. Both parties want her to appear. Contempt is on the table. Survivors are waiting. Whether Bondi shows up will tell you whether the Epstein files ever see the light of day, or whether accountability got fired along with the attorney general.
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