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Will Pam Bondi's Congressional hearing take place after Trump fired her? Latest on her deposition status
Following Pam Bondi's firing, Congress insists she must testify emphasizing that her removal does not exempt her from appearing before the Oversight Committee.
U.S. President Donald Trump removed Pam Bondi from her post on April 2, Thursday, and appointed Todd Blanche as the acting attorney general. Just hours after her sudden firing, there are growing concerns over whether Bondi will still be subject to a congressional hearing scheduled for April 14.
Early indications from lawmakers suggest that her firing may not shield her from testifying under oath.
Members who voted to subpoena Bondi stated on Thursday that she will still be required to appear for a scheduled deposition before the House Oversight Committee, despite the majority of the panel stating that the issue is still up for debate.
Read more: Pam Bondi firing row: Ex-AG ‘begged’ Trump to not oust her before Iran speech
Congress says hearing may proceed
Due to her handling of the Justice Department's files on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Bondi has come under fire from congressional investigators from both parties.
In a statement, Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) said that she "handled the Epstein Files in a terrible manner and seriously undermined President Trump." Even other Republicans applauded her departure on Thursday.
Some senior Democrats have also vowed to compel her testimony, arguing that removal from office does not negate congressional authority.
The leading Democrat on the panel, Representative Robert Garcia of California, said in a statement, “She [Bondi] will not escape accountability and remains legally obligated to appear before our Committee under oath. She must answer for her mishandling of the Epstein files and the special treatment she has given Ghislaine Maxwell.”
Similar remarks were made by other Democrats on the panel, including Representatives Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.), Suhas Subramanyam (D-Va.), and Summer Lee (D-Pa.).
Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) added to the list, saying, “Bondi must still answer to Congress about the remaining documents, why we have no new prosecutions, and why she participated in a cover-up.”
Read more: Pam Bondi new role explained: Trump hints at ex AG's future; Todd Blanche reacts
The Oversight Committee chair did not give a definitive answer
In March, the Oversight Committee voted to subpoena Bondi, a move spearheaded by Rep Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) and supported by all of the panel's Democrats as well as four other Republicans.
Axios reported that James Comer (R-Ky.), however, was more ambivalent about the subpoena. He argued that the committee could reverse the course.
A spokesperson for the Oversight Committee chair said, “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.”
Bondi has yet to publicly confirm whether she will comply with the subpoena. However, her testimony can continue to be a crucial flashpoint in the Epstein files investigation, as congressional leaders signal firm intent.
