Investigative committee issues summonses for Epstein documents

The House Oversight Committee, led by Republican Chair Rep. James R. Comer of Kentucky, has taken a significant step in its investigation into the Jeffrey Epstein case by issuing subpoenas to a host of government officials, including former Attorney General Merrick Garland, William Barr, Jeff Sessions, and even former President Bill Clinton [1][2][3].

The subpoenas, which were issued in August 2025, aim to obtain documents and testimony related to Epstein's investigation, prosecution, and the potential concealment of information regarding his criminal activities and the subsequent conviction of Ghislaine Maxwell. The Committee seeks transparency and the public release of the full files on Epstein to understand the facts and circumstances of the case, scrutinize the government's handling of the investigation, and address concerns about the withholding of records and undisclosed information [4][5].

One of the key objectives of the investigation is to gather direct testimony from Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking and other crimes, in a deposition at a federal prison [1][2]. The Committee has also subpoenaed the Justice Department for all records related to Epstein’s investigation and prosecution, with the intention of publicly disclosing these after appropriate redactions to protect victims and ongoing criminal investigations [4][5].

The subpoenas extend beyond the Justice Department, with former Attorneys General, FBI directors, and other government officials also being called upon for testimony as part of the inquiry into Epstein's network and potential government knowledge or involvement [4]. This includes James Comey, Robert Mueller, Loretta Lynch, Eric Holder, who were appointed by Presidents Obama and Clinton, and Alberto Gonzales, who served under President George W. Bush [1][4].

The move has sparked a heated debate in the House, with many lawmakers finding themselves positioned between far-right constituents who are eager for the release of the files and President Donald Trump. The disagreement over the subpoena for Epstein files has been seized upon by Democrats as an opportunity for increased transparency and seeking justice for victims [6].

Three Republicans have broken from Trump to back the subpoena for the Epstein files and expanded the request to include prominent figures such as Hillary Clinton and James Comey [7]. The Trump administration's decision to close its investigation into Epstein without releasing additional files has widened a rift in the GOP [8].

The battle over the Epstein investigation continues to loom over the House during its five-week recess. Failure of the Justice Department to meet the Aug. 19 deadline set by the Committee could lead to a high-profile clash between the Trump administration and Congress [9].

References:

The Hill: House Oversight Committee issues subpoenas in Epstein investigation
CNN: House Oversight Committee subpoenas Ghislaine Maxwell for deposition
NBC News: House Oversight Committee subpoenas Merrick Garland and other officials in Epstein investigation
Politico: House Oversight Committee subpoenas Justice Department, former officials in Epstein investigation
The Washington Post: House Oversight Committee subpoenas Justice Department, former officials in Epstein investigation
CNN: Democrats seize on Epstein subpoena dispute as an opportunity for increased transparency
The Hill: Three Republicans break from Trump to back Epstein subpoena
NBC News: Trump administration's decision to close Epstein investigation widens rift in GOP
The Washington Post: Failure to meet Aug. 19 deadline could lead to high-profile clash between Trump administration and Congress