House Democrats Walk Out of Closed-Door Epstein Briefing, Accuse Justice Department of Cover-Up

House Democrats walked out of a closed-door briefing with Attorney General Pam Bondi on Wednesday, expressing frustration over the Justice Department’s handling of files related to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. The briefing, held by the Republican-led House Oversight Committee, came one day after the committee subpoenaed Bondi to testify under oath in mid-April about the department’s management of the Epstein records. Bondi was accompanied by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche during the session.

Democratic members criticized the briefing as a “fake hearing” due to Bondi’s refusal to commit to complying with the subpoena and the absence of an oath or opening statement. Rep. Robert Garcia of California, the committee’s top Democrat, said Bondi “refused on multiple occasions to commit to following the subpoena,” calling the session “outrageous” and accusing the White House of covering up the Epstein files. Rep. Maxwell Frost of Florida described the meeting as a “fake deposition” and noted the lack of transparency, highlighting that no C-SPAN cameras were allowed in the closed-door session. Frost added, “We want her under oath because we don’t trust her.”

In contrast, Republicans on the committee defended the briefing and criticized the Democrats’ walkout. Committee Chair Rep. James Comer of Kentucky suggested the Democrats’ departure was “premeditated” and part of a “political game.” Comer said that despite the presence of top Justice Department officials, Democrats did not ask any substantive questions and instead spent time complaining about the format. He also confirmed a heated exchange with Democratic Rep. Summer Lee of Pennsylvania, who accused Comer of dismissing her questions with a derogatory remark. Comer acknowledged the interaction, stating that Lee was “just complaining about the format.”

The dispute underscores ongoing tensions surrounding the Justice Department’s release of millions of pages of documents related to Epstein and his convicted associate Ghislaine Maxwell. The department has faced criticism from both parties and survivors of sexual abuse over the handling of these files, with concerns about excessive redactions and the exposure of sensitive personal information. Bondi defended the department’s efforts, stating, “We’re proud of the work we’ve done on this,” and emphasized her commitment to following the law regarding the subpoena. Meanwhile, Deputy Attorney General Blanche, who has played a central role in reviewing the Epstein files, has also been a controversial figure, particularly after a lengthy interview with Maxwell and the removal of certain photographs from released documents, including images featuring former President Donald Trump. Trump has denied any wrongdoing related to the Epstein case.