A key US House committee is investigating the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking case, seeking access to files from President Donald Trump‘s Department of Justice and aiming to arrange a deposition with Epstein’s former associate, Ghislaine Maxwell. The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, under Republican leadership, launched its inquiry just as House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., adjourned the session for a month-long recess, according to the Associated Press. The move comes amid mounting calls for transparency in a case that Trump has repeatedly urged his supporters to disregard. However, this marks only the beginning of what could become a prolonged investigative process. As part of the probe, Democrats, joined by three Republicans, successfully pushed for a subcommittee to issue subpoenas. The subcommittee has pledged to protect the identities of victims while demanding broad access to “un-redacted Epstein files.” Democratic members have requested that the Department of Justice comply within 30 days of serving Attorney General Pam Bondi. The requested materials include documentation of prosecutorial decisions regarding Epstein, records related to his death, and any presidential or executive communications about the matter. Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., said he had spoken with the Speaker about increased Republican efforts toward transparency concerning the Epstein files, calling it a matter of public interest. Comer expects congressional staff to conduct a sworn interview with Ghislaine Maxwell on August 11 near the Florida prison where she is incarcerated. Subjects of congressional depositions typically have legal representation present. Maxwell has already participated in interviews with the Justice Department earlier this week. Committee Republicans have also issued subpoenas for several individuals, including former President Bill Clinton, former Senator Hillary Clinton, and former attorneys general dating back to Alberto Gonzales. The Department of Justice maintains the authority to negotiate the terms of subpoenas and to argue against the disclosure of specific information. The outcome will likely depend on the administration’s willingness to engage in the traditional accommodation process with the House.
