Former U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi is facing mounting political and legal pressure after failing to appear for a congressional deposition tied to the handling of records related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Lawmakers now warn that contempt proceedings could follow.
Rep. Robert Garcia publicly accused Bondi of orchestrating a “White House cover-up,” escalating rhetoric around a case that continues to generate scrutiny years after Epstein’s death. Speaking on MSNBC, Garcia said Bondi’s absence—despite a formal subpoena issued by the House Oversight Committee—could trigger enforcement action.
“She had a subpoena in place to show up,” Garcia said, adding that failure to comply may justify contempt proceedings. Committee chairman James Comer has indicated the panel may reschedule the hearing but warned that legal steps would follow if Bondi continues to ignore requests.
The subpoena relates to questions over the Department of Justice’s handling of Epstein-related materials and whether officials complied with transparency obligations tied to ongoing investigations. Survivors and advocacy groups have pushed for broader disclosure of records connected to Epstein’s network.
Bondi’s absence comes shortly after former President Donald Trump removed her from her post earlier this month, naming Todd Blanche as a temporary replacement. Trump did not reference the Epstein matter when announcing the change, instead stating Bondi would transition to a private-sector role.
Criticism has also emerged from within Republican ranks. Rep. Nancy Mace said Bondi “handled the Epstein files in a terrible manner” and argued her actions undermined the administration’s credibility. Mace called for new leadership committed to “getting justice for the victims.”
Outside Congress, media personality Candace Owens has amplified claims that Bondi and Trump were aligned in their approach to Epstein-related disclosures—allegations that remain unproven and politically charged.
The controversy underscores ongoing tensions between Congress and executive agencies over transparency and accountability in high-profile investigations. Whether Bondi ultimately testifies—or faces legal consequences for failing to do so—could shape the next phase of congressional oversight into one of the most scrutinized cases in recent U.S. legal history.
