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By Hugh Cameron
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A coalition representing survivors of the late sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein is calling for accountability and transparency from Pam Bondi, after it was revealed that the recently fired attorney general would not appear for a scheduled testimony before lawmakers.
On Wednesday, the Department of Justice informed the House Oversight Committee that Bondi would not comply with its subpoena to testify on the department’s handling of the Epstein files, originally set for April 14. In statements to various outlets, the DOJ said that this was because Bondi "was subpoenaed in her capacity as attorney general" and no longer holds this position after being fired by President Donald Trump.
"Pam Bondi has answers that survivors need and deserve, and it is her responsibility to be transparent about what went wrong with the files release: delays, inappropriate redactions, sharing survivors’ personal information, and failing to meet with them," the survivors' coalition, World Without Exploitation, said in a statement released Wednesday.
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Newsweek has contacted the Department of Justice and World Without Exploitation outside of regular working hours for further comment.
Why It Matters
While the Department of Justice has released millions of pages of Epstein-related records, its handling of the disclosures has drawn significant criticism given delays, heavy redactions and the failure to protect victims’ identities in certain instances.
Lawmakers across both parties as well as survivors have expressed frustration with the department over these issues, leading to the calls for Bondi to provide further answers and support ongoing investigations into Epstein and his network.
What To Know
In March, the House Oversight Committee voted to issue a formal subpoena for Bondi to testify over the release of the Epstein files.
In a letter sent to Bondi and the Department of Justice, Chairman James Comer said that there remained "questions regarding the Department of Justice’s handling of the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein and his associates and its compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act."
Comer went on to say that Bondi was "directly responsible for overseeing the department’s collection, review, and determinations regarding the release of files pursuant to the Epstein Files Transparency Act," and therefore possesses "valuable insight into these efforts."
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The DOJ at the time called the subpoena "unnecessary," as members of Congress had access to unredacted copies of the files and Bondi had been willing to speak with lawmakers directly about the department’s actions.
And its confirmation that Bondi, who was fired on April 2, will not appear before the committee has drawn further criticism from survivors.
"We hope that the House Oversight Committee stands by its obligation to ensure the deposition takes place and gets answers so that these mistakes are never repeated, and we can pursue accountability for perpetrators," said World Without Exploitation.
"The Department of Justice's mishandling of the Epstein files not only betrayed the trust of survivors, but has left us with critical questions unanswered," Epstein survivors Maria and Annie Farmer said in a statement quoted by NBC News. "Until Bondi's deposition happens and her testimony is given under oath, we will continue asking Congress to use every lever possible to ensure justice is served."
And lawmakers on the House Oversight Committee have said that Bondi’s firing does not relieve her of the obligation to testify, while warning that they could bring contempt of Congress charges against the former attorney general over the matter.
What People Are Saying
Democrat Robert Garcia, ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, said: "Our bipartisan subpoena is to Pam Bondi, whether she is the attorney general or not. She must come in to testify immediately, and if she defies the subpoena, we will begin contempt charges in the Congress. The survivors deserve justice."
Nancy Mace, a Republican member of the committee, said: "Bondi’s removal as attorney general doesn’t erase her obligation to testify. If anything, it makes her sworn testimony even more critical. Congress’s oversight doesn’t stop when an official leaves office.
"Survivors are still waiting for justice, and the American people are still waiting for answers."
What Happens Next
The congressional committee has already invited a number of individuals to provide information for its own investigation into the Epstein case, including billionaire Les Wexner and former first couple Hillary and Bill Clinton.
And on Tuesday, lawmakers confirmed that Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates will be testifying about his relationship with Epstein in a hearing scheduled for June 10.
A spokesperson for Gates told Newsweek: "Gates welcomes the opportunity to appear before the committee. While he never witnessed or participated in any of Epstein's illegal conduct, he is looking forward to answering all the committee's questions to support their important work."
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