Top Oversight Democrat says fired AG Pam Bondi ‘must answer’ for Epstein files

A senior House Democrat is warning that the firing of Pam Bondi will not halt congressional scrutiny, accusing the former attorney general of helping shield President Donald Trump from accountability in matters tied to the Epstein files.

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In a sharply worded statement released after Bondi’s ouster, Rep. Robert Garcia, the gay ranking member on the House Oversight Committee, said Bondi “has been leading a White House cover-up of the Epstein files” and “weaponized the Department of Justice to protect Donald Trump and put survivors in harm’s way by exposing their identities.”

Garcia added that Bondi “will not escape accountability” and remains “legally obligated to appear before our Committee under oath,” signaling that Democrats intend to press forward with investigations regardless of her departure from the administration.

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Trump, in a Truth Social post announcing the move, praised Bondi and framed her departure as a transition rather than a dismissal.

“Pam Bondi is a Great American Patriot and a loyal friend, who faithfully served as my Attorney General over the past year,” Trump wrote. “Pam did a tremendous job overseeing a massive crackdown in Crime across our Country, with Murders plummeting to their lowest level since 1900.”

He added, “We love Pam, and she will be transitioning to a much needed and important new job in the private sector, to be announced at a date in the near future,” and said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche would serve as acting attorney general.

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Bondi’s firing comes after weeks of mounting pressure tied to her handling of records connected to Jeffrey Epstein. Critics across the political spectrum, including some of Trump’s allies, had accused the Justice Department of mismanaging the release of documents, including delays, heavy redactions, and concerns about the exposure of victims’ identities.

The Advocate previously reported that Bondi’s tenure had become increasingly defined by controversy, including a combative public posture, scrutiny from lawmakers, and allegations that the Justice Department was being steered toward the president’s political priorities. Her handling of the Epstein files, in particular, drew bipartisan attention and led to a House Oversight subpoena compelling her testimony.

Garcia’s statement references that ongoing inquiry, escalating his criticism by accusing Bondi of providing “special treatment” to Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s companion, and mishandling sensitive materials tied to survivors.

The California Democrat also made clear that Bondi’s firing — which follows the recent ouster of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem — will not slow broader oversight efforts.

“If they think we are moving on because they were fired, they are gravely mistaken,” Garcia said.