Democrats on the House Oversight Committee walked out of a Wednesday evening briefing with former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, saying she would not commit to complying with a subpoena from Republican Chairman James Comer for a transcribed, under‑oath deposition. Members said the briefing was structured in a way that prevented formal questioning and lacked an oath and C‑SPAN coverage, calling it a “fake hearing.” They vowed to press for a subpoenaed deposition to secure sworn, on‑the‑record testimony and greater transparency for survivors.
Bondi told reporters after the session, “I will follow the law,” and defended the Justice Department’s handling of records related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. She said roughly three million records were released during the Trump administration and that hundreds of DOJ attorneys worked to redact materials and protect victim identities. Bondi acknowledged what she described as “less than 1% error” in the redactions and said any mistakes were corrected immediately when found.
Republicans characterized the briefing as voluntary and substantive. Comer accused Democrats of a “premeditated” walkout and said Republicans had an opportunity to ask tough questions. He reiterated that the committee will continue its investigation, pursue additional witness interviews and seek subpoenas where necessary to obtain documents and testimony.
Democrats accused Bondi of obstructing justice in statements from members at the briefing and said they will push for sworn depositions, contempt proceedings if needed, and further review of how Epstein‑related files were released and how victims’ privacy has been protected. Some members expressed broader concerns about the process and about accountability for any failures in handling sensitive material.
Both parties said the Oversight investigation will continue: Republicans plan more interviews and depositions, while Democrats say they will insist on transcribed, public depositions conducted under oath. The standoff leaves unresolved whether Bondi will appear under subpoena and under oath before the committee.