Epstein Survivors Demand Accountability as Pam Bondi Skips House Deposition

Pam Bondi’s decision to avoid a scheduled House Oversight Committee deposition has ignited fresh outrage among survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking and their advocates. The former Florida attorney general, who was fired by President Trump on April 2, was subpoenaed to testify about the Department of Justice’s problematic handling of Epstein-related records—delays, excessive redactions, and breaches of survivors’ privacy among them. Now, the DOJ says Bondi will not comply, claiming her subpoena was tied to her former official capacity.

This dodge is unacceptable to the coalition World Without Exploitation, which represents Epstein survivors. In a statement, they emphasized that Bondi “has answers that survivors need and deserve” and must be transparent about the department’s failures. Survivors Maria and Annie Farmer echoed this demand, stressing that justice remains out of reach without Bondi’s sworn testimony.

The House Oversight Committee, led by Chairman James Comer, has made clear that Bondi’s firing does not erase her obligation to testify. Comer pointed out Bondi’s direct role overseeing the release of Epstein files under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, underscoring her unique insight into the department’s actions. Both Democrats and Republicans on the committee have threatened contempt of Congress charges if she continues to defy the subpoena.

Criticism of the DOJ’s handling of Epstein documents runs deep. Despite releasing millions of pages, the department’s slow pace, heavy redactions, and failure to protect victims’ identities have frustrated lawmakers and survivors alike. Calls for accountability extend beyond Bondi, with the committee summoning high-profile figures connected to Epstein, including Les Wexner, Bill and Hillary Clinton, and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, who is set to testify in June.

Bondi’s refusal to testify leaves a critical gap in congressional oversight of one of the most notorious sex trafficking cases in recent history. Survivors and advocates demand that the committee hold firm and compel her testimony to ensure transparency and prevent future abuses. The message is clear: no official, past or present, is above scrutiny when it comes to justice for Epstein’s victims.