The Republican-led oversight committee in the United States House of Representatives has issued a subpoena to obtain records related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, amid ongoing scrutiny about his case. Also on Tuesday, the panel’s Republican chair James Comer issued deposition subpoenas for top officials from both major parties, including ex-President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former Attorney General Bill Barr.
Former FBI Director James Comey, a bitter rival of President Donald Trump, has also been called to testify. The Justice Department subpoena, addressed to Attorney General Pam Bondi, requests the release of “all documents and communications relating or referring to” Epstein and his ex-girlfriend and convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell. Congress has the authority to issue subpoenas, which are legally binding requests for documents and appearances for questioning.
Tuesday’s subpoenas followed bipartisan subcommittee motions directing Comer to issue the requests. Epstein’s death has fueled conspiracy theories, with some speculating that his death was not a suicide, as was the medical examiner’s official ruling. Conspiracy theorists have long argued that Epstein socialised with the rich and powerful — including royalty, top academics and government officials — who might want their association with him covered up.
The case is proving to be a headache for Trump, who has been facing calls, including from prominent conservatives within his base, to release all Epstein-related documents. Trump had a personal relationship with Epstein and took several photos with him over the years. The Wall Street Journal reported last month that Trump sent Epstein a letter containing sexual references on the financier’s 50th birthday in 2003.
The Trump administration’s refusal to release the records has fuelled unproven allegations that Epstein had a “client list” of powerful people who abused girls and young women on his property. Last month, the Justice Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) released a memo denying the existence of an incriminating client list or any evidence of blackmail. Instead, they said the files include tens of thousands of videos and images of sexual abuse of young girls and women, evidence that is sealed by the courts and would not be released to protect the privacy of the victims.
“Through this review, we found no basis to revisit the disclosure of those materials and will not permit the release of child pornography,” the memo read. “One of our highest priorities is combatting child exploitation and bringing justice to victims. Perpetuating unfounded theories about Epstein serves neither of those ends,” it added.