Contempt Looms for Pam Bondi Over Unreleased Epstein Files

Dem Lawmaker Threatens Contempt if Bondi Skips Subpoena

Democrats on the House Oversight Committee are prepared to pursue contempt charges against former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi if she fails to appear for a scheduled deposition. The demand comes as part of an ongoing investigation into the handling of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein and alleged illegal redactions of the Epstein files under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Congressman James Walkinshaw, a member of the Oversight Committee, stated that Bondi has a legal obligation to answer questions under oath.

Key Questions for Pam Bondi

Congressman Walkinshaw outlined critical questions Bondi must answer regarding the Department of Justice’s failure to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. This law required the release of all Epstein-related files with only limited redactions. To date, the department has not released all documents, and thousands have allegedly been redacted illegally.

The central issues revolve around who made the decisions to withhold or excessively redact these files. “Who made the decision to not release all of the files?” Walkinshaw questioned. Specifically, he wants to know if the redactions were made to shield former President Donald Trump from embarrassment. He also raised questions about potential involvement from Todd Blanche, a lawyer for Trump, and any communications Bondi may have had with the White House.

“I want to know who made those decisions. Who made the decision to not release all of the files?” Congressman James Walkinshaw

Bondi’s History and Potential Contempt

Walkinshaw described Bondi’s past responses to difficult questions as combative. He suggested that the structured environment of a deposition might make it harder for her to avoid answering than in a more public committee hearing. “When you’re under oath in a deposition, you’ve got to answer the questions,” Walkinshaw emphasized.

The lawmaker confirmed that if Bondi refuses to comply with the subpoena, contempt proceedings are a strong possibility. He cited a precedent set by Chairman Comer, who moved for criminal contempt charges against the Clintons when they did not appear for a deposition. “Contempt is something that we’ll have to pursue, either criminal or civil,” Walkinshaw stated. He also noted that the subpoena was bipartisan, with five Republicans joining the request, indicating broad support for compliance.

Testimony from Howard Lutnick and Bill Gates

The investigation also involves other prominent figures. Howard Lutnick, CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, is scheduled to testify. Lutnick previously claimed to have cut ties with Epstein in 2005 but later admitted to having lunch on Epstein’s island in 2012. Walkinshaw finds Lutnick’s shifting account concerning.

“The question for Secretary Lutnick is why did he straight-up lie to the American people, right?” Walkinshaw asked. He expressed concern that if Lutnick lied about his relationship with Epstein, he might be dishonest about other matters as Commerce Secretary.

Billionaire Bill Gates is also set to appear for a closed-door deposition on June 10th. Gates met with Epstein multiple times after Epstein’s conviction. Investigators are interested in potential allegations made in Epstein’s draft emails concerning Gates, including claims of an affair with a Russian woman and Epstein potentially facilitating access to women for Gates. Gates has denied these allegations, but the committee intends to explore their veracity and the true depth of his relationship with Epstein.

Looking Ahead

The committee’s focus remains on uncovering the full truth behind the handling of the Epstein files and the extent of various individuals’ involvement with Jeffrey Epstein. The potential for contempt charges against Pam Bondi underscores the seriousness with which the Oversight Committee is pursuing these lines of inquiry. The upcoming testimonies of Lutnick and Gates are expected to provide further insights into the complex network and transactions associated with Epstein.

Source: Oversight Dem: Democrats will ‘have to’ pursue contempt charges if Bondi doesn’t appear (YouTube)