Comer Issues Subpoenas to DOJ and Top Officials—Bill & Hillary Clinton, James Comey, Jeff Sessions, Others—in Epstein Probe
List includes Presidents, Cabinet‑level figures, and Justice officials from both parties
House Oversight Committee Chair Rep. James Comer (R‑KY) has issued sweeping subpoenas to the Department of Justice and a roster of high‑profile officials tied to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. The Committee demands full, unredacted records by August 19 and plans interviews through mid‑October.
Comer’s actions follow a bipartisan subcommittee vote in July that authorized the formal subpoenas. Reps. Scott Perry (R‑PA) and Summer Lee (D‑PA) led the procedural push, securing votes to compel both records and testimony.
Comer’s subpoena to Attorney General Pam Bondi seeks “all documents and communications relating or referring to” Epstein and his associate, Ghislaine Maxwell.
In a statement, Comer emphasized:
“While the Department undertakes efforts to uncover and publicly disclose additional information related to Mr. Epstein and Ms. Maxwell’s cases, it is imperative that Congress conduct oversight … and specifically its handling of the investigation and prosecution of Mr. Epstein and Ms. Maxwell.”
The subpoenas span former Presidents, Cabinet‑level figures, and Justice officials from both Parties:
- Former President Bill Clinton – deposition scheduled October 14
- Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton – deposition on October 9
- Former FBI Directors James Comey (October 7) and Robert Mueller (September 2)
- Former U.S. Attorneys General: William Barr (Aug. 18), Alberto Gonzales (Aug. 26), Jeff Sessions (Aug. 28), Loretta Lynch (Sept. 9), Eric Holder (Sept. 30), Merrick Garland (Oct. 2)
These deadlines mark the most aggressive Congressional oversight in the Epstein matter to date.
Even though Epstein died in custody in 2019, public interest in his case remains high. Some question whether powerful individuals tied to Epstein have avoided scrutiny. Republicans—including some in former President Trump’s base—have pressed for full transparency on whether a so‑called “client list” exists. In July, DoJ stated no such list was found, but suspicions persist.
Rep. Robert Garcia (D‑CA), the top Democrat on the committee, and Rep. Summer Lee (D‑PA) offered a joint statement:
“Today was an important step forward in our fight for transparency regarding the Epstein files and our dedication to seeking justice for the victims.”
No former President has ever been compelled to testify under subpoena. Past attempts, including one aimed at Harry Truman in 1953 and another targeting Donald Trump in 2022, were unsuccessful.
The DoJ is expected to comply or challenge the subpoena by August 19. Depositions will unfold over the coming months. Separately, Ghislaine Maxwell—convicted in Epstein’s case—has been subpoenaed as well, though legal proceedings may delay her appearance.
Meanwhile, internal divisions are surfacing within GOP leadership: House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has expressed hesitation, urging caution to avoid overreach. Nonetheless, Comer appears determined to press forward with the investigation many have demanded.
