WASHINGTON, D.C. — Pam Bondi did not appear for an April 14 congressional deposition over her handling of Jeffrey Epstein investigative files after exiting the Department of Justice. The DOJ informed the House Oversight Committee that Bondi would not appear because she is no longer attorney general, according to a committee spokesperson.

"Last week, the Department of Justice indicated that Pam Bondi would not appear for the 14 April deposition because she is no longer attorney general. We are working to reschedule the deposition." the committee spokesperson said. The spokesperson added: "Since Pam Bondi is no longer attorney general, Chairman Comer will speak with Republican members and the Department of Justice about the status of the deposition subpoena and confer on next steps."

House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer engaged in behind-the-scenes efforts to avoid the deposition prior to Bondi's removal. Members of the committee said Bondi had been subpoenaed in her capacity as attorney general.

Ranking Member Robert Garcia called for contempt proceedings. "Pam Bondi is evading a lawful congressional subpoena by failing to appear before the oversight committee for a deposition about the Epstein files and the White House cover-up." Garcia said. "She must appear before the committee, and if she continues to ignore the law, Oversight Democrats will move forward with contempt proceedings immediately. We will fight until there is true accountability and justice."

Attorney Ann Olivarius said the change in Bondi's status did not extinguish the committee's demand. "The Bondi subpoena doesn't evaporate because Pam Bondi was fired." Olivarius said. She added: "Bondi oversaw the handling (or mishandling) of these files and was the attorney general when survivors' identifying details were exposed." "I expect a defensive approach that follows what the law strictly requires, not what justice demands," she said.

Spencer Kuvin, an attorney at Goldlaw, said: "These developments only underscore how fragile accountability becomes when those in power blur the lines between advocacy and obligation." "If the court finds willful noncompliance, contempt isn't just appropriate – it's necessary to preserve the integrity of the process," he added.

Todd Blanche, Trump's former criminal defense attorney, is serving as acting head of the DOJ. The department missed a December 19 deadline set by the Epstein Files Transparency Act to release all investigative documents, with some materials withheld under lawful exemptions. A July DOJ memo stated there was no client list and no evidence to predicate an investigation against uncharged third parties. Donald Trump vowed on the campaign trail that he would release the Epstein files. Jeffrey Epstein was convicted on state-level prostitution counts in Florida.