Epstein files row: House panel seeks DOJ information; aims to arrange deposition with ex-girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell in August

A key US House committee is investigating the Jeffrey Epstein intercourse trafficking case, searching for entry to files from President Donald Trump‘s Department of Justice and aiming to arrange a deposition with Epstein’s former affiliate, Ghislaine Maxwell. The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, below Republican management, launched its inquiry simply as House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., adjourned the session for a month-long recess, in accordance to the Associated Press. The transfer comes amid mounting requires transparency in a case that Trump has repeatedly urged his supporters to disregard. However, this marks solely the start of what may change into a protracted investigative course of. As a part of the probe, Democrats, joined by three Republicans, efficiently pushed for a subcommittee to situation subpoenas. The subcommittee has pledged to defend the identities of victims whereas demanding broad entry to “un-redacted Epstein files.” Democratic members have requested that the Department of Justice comply inside 30 days of serving Attorney General Pam Bondi. The requested supplies embody documentation of prosecutorial selections concerning Epstein, information associated to his dying, and any presidential or govt communications in regards to the matter. Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., mentioned he had spoken with the Speaker about elevated Republican efforts towards transparency regarding the Epstein files, calling it a matter of public curiosity. Comer expects congressional employees to conduct a sworn interview with Ghislaine Maxwell on August 11 close to the Florida jail the place she is incarcerated. Subjects of congressional depositions sometimes have authorized illustration current. Maxwell has already participated in interviews with the Justice Department earlier this week. Committee Republicans have additionally issued subpoenas for a number of people, together with former President Bill Clinton, former Senator Hillary Clinton, and former attorneys normal relationship again to Alberto Gonzales. The Department of Justice maintains the authority to negotiate the phrases of subpoenas and to argue in opposition to the disclosure of particular info. The consequence will doubtless depend upon the administration’s willingness to interact in the standard lodging course of with the House.