House Oversight Democrats are ratcheting up pressure on Chairman James Comer to subpoena Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel, arguing that former Attorney General Pam Bondi repeatedly pointed to both officials as the key decision-makers in the handling of Jeffrey Epstein-related records.
Ranking Member Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) made the formal request on Tuesday, following Bondi’s closed-door transcribed interview with committee investigators last Friday. Democrats say Bondi consistently refused to answer substantive questions about her role, instead deflecting blame to her successors at the Justice Department.
“Rather than provide answers in her testimony, Ms. Bondi repeatedly shifted responsibility to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche,” Garcia wrote in a letter to Comer. “During questioning, Ms. Bondi invoked Mr. Blanche’s name more than 30 times, pointing to him as the person responsible for DOJ’s actions involving the review, withholding, and botched release of Epstein-related records.”
Bondi, who was fired by President Trump in April, told investigators during her opening statement: “I did not lead every aspect of this effort or conduct that document review myself. I delegated oversight over this process to Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.” She also mentioned FBI Director Patel’s involvement in locating, reviewing, and possibly redacting FBI records tied to Epstein.
The push for subpoenas comes as the committee continues its investigation into the Epstein case, which has drawn renewed scrutiny amid allegations of mishandled documents and delayed disclosures. Garcia emphasized that a closed-door, off-the-record briefing would not suffice for either Blanche or Patel, and that any refusal to produce them for interviews “must be met with compulsory process.”
Bondi’s appearance was conducted under a transcribed interview format—a process that does not require witnesses to be sworn in or provide a legal basis for declining to answer questions. Democrats argue that the same arrangement cannot apply to Blanche or Patel, given their direct involvement. The Justice Department and the FBI did not respond to requests for comment on whether they would comply with a potential subpoena.
The controversy mirrors broader tensions between the committee and the Trump administration over access to information. Earlier this year, Bondi was subpoenaed by the panel after a surprise motion from Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), which garnered support from four GOP colleagues and all Democrats. Bondi and Blanche later arranged a separate closed-door meeting, prompting accusations from Democrats that she was trying to sidestep her obligations.
In a related development, the Justice Department has complained that some documents the FBI turned over arrived redacted, complicating efforts to release information to the public. Garcia noted that Bondi herself raised concerns that the FBI had previously withheld material from the DOJ. “By Ms. Bondi’s own account, Director Patel was involved in locating, reviewing, and possibly redacting FBI records relating to Jeffrey Epstein,” he wrote.
The Democratic push for subpoenas also aligns with ongoing scrutiny of the Epstein investigation at the state level. In New Mexico, a separate probe has ramped up, with subpoenas targeting banks, the FBI, and a research institute. Meanwhile, Senate Democrats have demanded an investigation into FBI Director Patel’s personal travel, adding to the political pressure.
As the Oversight Committee weighs its next steps, Garcia’s letter makes clear that Democrats view the testimony of Blanche and Patel as essential to understanding the full scope of the Epstein file controversy. “The Committee cannot credibly continue its investigation without their videotaped, transcribed testimony,” he wrote.
