Former Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared for a closed-door deposition before House lawmakers on Friday, May 29, 2026, concerning the handling of files related to the Jeffrey Epstein case. The questioning took place at the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., as part of an ongoing investigation into the Justice Department's actions during her tenure.
Closed-Door Deposition Details
Bondi arrived at the Rayburn building early Friday morning, accompanied by her legal team. The deposition, which was not open to the public, focused on the release and management of documents pertaining to Epstein, a financier and convicted sex offender who died in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. Lawmakers from the House Judiciary Committee led the questioning, seeking to understand whether the Department of Justice under Bondi's leadership properly handled the Epstein case files.
Background of the Investigation
The closed-door session follows months of pressure from members of Congress who have demanded transparency regarding the Epstein investigation. Critics have accused the Justice Department of withholding documents that could shed light on the extent of Epstein's network and potential accomplices. Bondi, who served as Attorney General from 2025 to 2026, has previously stated that the department acted appropriately in its handling of the case.
The deposition is part of a broader effort by House lawmakers to examine the Justice Department's practices in high-profile cases. The committee is expected to release a summary of the testimony in the coming weeks, though the full transcript may remain confidential due to the sensitive nature of the investigation.
Reactions and Implications
Political analysts note that the deposition could have implications for Bondi's future career and the public's trust in the Justice Department. Supporters of the former attorney general argue that the closed-door format prevents politicization of the issue, while critics contend that secrecy undermines accountability.
The Epstein case continues to generate significant public interest, with many calling for full disclosure of all related files. The committee's next steps will likely involve further interviews and potential subpoenas to obtain additional documents.
