Congressional Democrats walked out of a briefing with Pam Bondi and Todd Blanche that was meant to explain how the Justice Department is handling files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
During the meeting of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, Representative Robert Garcia strongly criticized the session. He called it a “fake hearing” and said Bondi refused multiple times to confirm whether she would comply with a subpoena requiring her to give formal testimony about the Epstein investigation.
The walkout highlights growing political tension over transparency and accountability in the handling of Epstein-related documents, as lawmakers continue to demand clearer answers from the Justice Department.
Garcia Criticizes DOJ Briefing on Epstein Files
Representative Robert Garcia strongly criticized the Justice Department briefing on Jeffrey Epstein files, accusing officials of avoiding accountability.
“This has been completely set up in a way that’s been irresponsible,” Garcia told reporters. “And quite frankly, we believe it’s a way for the attorney general to avoid answering questions under oath something the public will not accept.”
His remarks came after Democrats walked out of the session with Pam Bondi, reflecting rising frustration among lawmakers who are pushing for more transparency in the Epstein investigation.
Bondi Responds as Subpoena Tensions Grow
Pam Bondi said she would comply with legal requirements when asked if she would attend a deposition scheduled for April 14.
“I made it crystal clear, I will follow the law,” she told reporters while leaving Capitol Hill.
Meanwhile, James Comer, the Republican chair of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, said he is continuing efforts to enforce the subpoena. He added that lawmakers may consider holding Bondi in contempt of Congress if she does not appear.
Bondi defended her participation in the earlier briefing, saying officials were open to questions. “We were there to answer questions… anything you want to ask us,” she said, accusing Democrats of walking out of the meeting.
In a post on X, the Republican-led committee also stated that both Bondi and Todd Blanche answered substantive questions and that Bondi confirmed she would follow the law regarding the subpoena.
Bondi appeared before the committee last month in a hearing that grew contentious. Lawmakers pressed her on the department’s rollout of the Epstein files. Democrats also accused her of using the Justice Department to target enemies of President Donald Trump.
Senator Ron Wyden has accused Blanche of blocking the Drug Enforcement Administration from releasing an unredacted document from the Epstein files about an investigation involving narcotics trafficking and money laundering.
With assistance from John Harney, Chris Strohm, and Sara Forden
