{"id":2608301,"date":"2026-05-29T14:31:54","date_gmt":"2026-05-29T18:31:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/democrats-eye-blanche-subpoena-after-bondi-deflects-epstein-questions\/"},"modified":"2026-05-29T14:32:59","modified_gmt":"2026-05-29T18:32:59","slug":"democrats-eye-blanche-subpoena-after-bondi-deflects-epstein-questions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/democrats-eye-blanche-subpoena-after-bondi-deflects-epstein-questions\/","title":{"rendered":"Democrats eye Blanche subpoena after Bondi deflects Epstein questions"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">18<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fdemocrats-eye-blanche-subpoena-after-bondi-deflects-epstein-questions%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2608301&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>House Democrats said they will push for subpoenas for Acting Attorney General todd blanche and FBI director Kash Patel after former Attorney General Pam Bondi declined to answer questions during a closed-door, transcribed interview. Ranking Democrat Rep.Robert Garcia and Rep.maxwell Frost accused Bondi of stonewalling and repeatedly deflecting duty to Blanche, saying she claimed Blanche \u201cwas managing the entire investigation.\u201d  <\/p>\n<p>Democrats also said Bondi refused to address questions involving then-President Donald Trump and instead directed lawmakers to other officials. They grew frustrated with her answers about how the Justice Department reviewed Epstein-related records under the Epstein Files Openness Act, including claims that remaining files where withheld for reasons such as nonresponsiveness, privilege, or duplication.  <\/p>\n<p>In addition, Democrats said Bondi avoided questions about where Ghislaine Maxwell was transferred and deferred details to the Bureau of Prisons and Blanche. the interview is part of an ongoing effort by Congress to determine how the government handled Epstein materials and investigations, with Democrats especially concerned that law enforcement agencies mismanaged records before the Trump administration. Republicans on the oversight committee argued the process was fair and said transcripts would be released, while Chairman James Comer warned that anyone found lying to lawmakers could face felony exposure.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<article class=\"fn-body\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/house-democrats\/\">House Democrats<\/a> said Friday they will seek subpoenas for Acting Attorney General <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/todd-blanche\/\">Todd Blanche<\/a> and FBI Director <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/kash-patel\/\">Kash Patel<\/a> after former Attorney General <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/pam-bondi\/\">Pam Bondi<\/a> repeatedly declined to answer questions about the government\u2019s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files during a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/house-republicans-request-interviews-with-officials-involved-in-hunter-biden-probe\/\" title=\"House ...ublicans seek ...s with ... involved in Hunter Biden investigation.\">closed-door transcribed interview<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The threats emerged during a break in Bondi\u2019s transcribed interview before the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/house-oversight-committee\/\">House oversight committee<\/a>, where lawmakers are seeking answers about decisions surrounding the release of Epstein-related records.<\/p>\n<section class=\"explore-more-section\" id=\"wex-recommended-widget\">\n<div class=\"magazine-container single\">\n<h1 class=\"magazine-title mt-2\">Recommended Stories<\/h1>\n<p>             <i class=\"fa-solid fa-play icon\"><\/i>         <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-grid\">\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/4586875\/multiple-dead-after-bus-crash-virginia\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>Multiple dead after bus crashes on I-95 in northern Virginia<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/4586653\/spencer-pratt-says-hes-surging-with-moms-using-strollers-around-naked-drug-addict-zombies\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>Spencer Pratt says he\u2019s surging with moms using strollers \u2018around naked drug addict zombies\u2019<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/4586467\/washington-star-sues-notus-name-rebranding\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>Washington Star sues NOTUS over name rebranding despite going bankrupt 45 years ago<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calf., ranking member on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, speaks to the press before former Attorney General Pam Bondi gives her deposition at the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill, Friday, May 29, 2026, in Washington, as Sharlene Rochard, victim of Jeffrey Epstein\u2019s abuse, right, looks on. (AP Photo\/Manuel Ceneta)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cShe continues to push all of the investigation and the blame on Acting AG Todd Blanche. She said, and I quote, \u2018Acting AG Blanche was managing the entire investigation,&#8217;\u201d ranking Democrat Rep. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/house\/4553311\/robert-garcia-pushes-james-comer-film-release-bondi-testimony-epstein-files\/\">Robert Garcia<\/a> (CA) told reporters in the hallway. He said he would formally request Chairman <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/james-comer\/\">James Comer<\/a> (R-KY), the only Republican lawmaker to attend the interview, to subpoena Blanche and Patel later on Friday.<\/p>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rep. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/maxwell-frost\/\">Maxwell Frost<\/a> (D-FL) accused Bondi of stonewalling investigators and said Democrats would pursue testimony from Blanche and Patel if the committee continues to encounter resistance from administration officials.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt\u2019s a cover-up in broad daylight,\u201d Frost told reporters outside the hearing room, standing near victims of Epstein, including Lauren Hersh, Sharlene Rochard, Lara Blume McGee, and others.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Victims of Jeffrey Epstein\u2019s abuse, from left, Liz Stein, Dani Bensky, Sharlene Rochard, Marina Lacerda and Andrea Sterling, are seen before former Attorney General Pam Bondi arrives for her deposition at the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill, Friday, May 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Manuel Ceneta)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to Frost, Bondi repeatedly declined to discuss conversations involving Trump and offered variations of answers such as, \u201cI\u2019m not going to talk about Donald Trump,\u201d and \u201cI\u2019m not going to talk about any private conversations with the president.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Frost said Democrats also became frustrated with Bondi\u2019s repeated reliance on Blanche when questioned about the mechanics of the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/justice-department\/\">Justice Department\u2019s<\/a> review of Epstein-related records.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That response was consistent with Bondi\u2019s opening statement earlier Friday, in which she emphasized that she did not personally oversee the review effort.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAs the head of a large Department with broad responsibilities, I did not lead every aspect of this effort or conduct that document review myself,\u201d Bondi said in prepared remarks. \u201cI delegated oversight over this process to Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bondi told lawmakers the DOJ reviewed nearly 3 million pages of records, including thousands of videos and hundreds of thousands of images, as part of what she described as an unprecedented effort to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act signed by Trump last year. She maintained that officials involved in the review assured her that any withheld records, which include roughly 3 million remaining files, were either nonresponsive, privileged, or duplicative.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Democrats also said she punted on questions related to Epstein\u2019s accomplice <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/ghislaine-maxwell\/\">Ghislaine Maxwell<\/a>, who is still serving her own sentence after her 2021 jury conviction on sex trafficking charges. Following her prison interview with Blanche last year, she was subsequently transferred to a minimum security facility in Texas, causing an uproar among victims of Epstein and critics of the administration.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to Democrats in the room, Bondi argued the Florida facility Maxwell was previously housed in was already a low-level facility, and deferred questions about that transfer to the Bureau of Prisons and Blanche. The hours-long conversation between Blanche, Maxwell, and her counsel was taped and provided publicly.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Democrats said Bondi\u2019s repeated references to Blanche left lawmakers unable to obtain answers from the former official they had subpoenaed. Frost said the committee now needs to hear directly from Blanche and Patel.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The interest in subpoenaing Patel reflects Democrats\u2019 broader concerns about how <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >federal law enforcement agencies prior<\/a> to the Trump administration mismanaged Epstein-related records and investigations. <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Despite years of investigations and reports over Epstein\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/project-veritas-coup-prominent-conservatives-speak-out-in-favor-of-james-okeefe\/\" title=\"Project Veritas Coup: Prominent Conservatives Speak Out in Favor of James O&#039;Keefe\">sex trafficking activities<\/a>, he was not held accountable until the first Trump administration. Former Attorney General Bill Barr obtained sex trafficking charges against Epstein in 2019, more than a decade after his 2008 plea deal that resulted in a 13-month Florida jail sentence for prostitution-related offenses, including solicitation of a 17-year-old minor.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The interview on Friday marks the latest escalation in Congress\u2019s long-running effort to obtain information about the government\u2019s handling of Epstein records. Bondi has repeatedly defended the administration\u2019s actions and argued that the Trump administration released more Epstein-related material than any previous administration.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The hearing itself was already contentious before testimony began. Democrats had objected to Bondi being allowed to sit for a transcribed interview rather than a sworn deposition, arguing the arrangement gave her greater flexibility to decline certain lines of questioning.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Republicans on the committee have attempted to dispel those concerns, arguing that other witnesses brought in for similar transcribed interviews, including former New York prison guard Tova Noel, Ghislaine Maxwell\u2019s ex-boyfriend Ted Waitt, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, have similarly not been recorded on video.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/justice\/4586926\/bondi-tells-lawmakers-she-didnt-lead-every-aspect-epstein-files-review\/\">BONDI TELLS LAWMAKERS SHE DIDN\u2019T LEAD \u2018EVERY ASPECT\u2019 OF EPSTEIN FILES REVIEW<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Comer said Friday anyone caught lying to lawmakers could be subject to potential prosecution, and vowed that the full transcript of Bondi\u2019s deposition would be released to the public in due course.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"white-space: normal;\">\u201cWe\u2019ll come and tell you what she said. We\u2019ll release all the transcripts, and if anyone is lying to Congress, that\u2019s a felony,\u201d Comer told reporters<\/span> earlier in the day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>House Democrats will seek subpoenas for Blanche and Patel after Bondi repeatedly avoided questions about Epstein files<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2633,"featured_media":2608302,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AP26149554240764.jpg?w=696","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[80462,45543,3685],"class_list":["post-2608301","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-blanche-subpoena","tag-bondi","tag-democrats"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AP26149554240764.jpg?w=696","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2608301","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2633"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2608301"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2608301\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2608305,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2608301\/revisions\/2608305"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2608302"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2608301"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2608301"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2608301"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}