Former FBI Director James Comey will not appear before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee as part of Republicans’ ongoing investigation into the federal government’s handling of Jeffrey Epstein.
Comey had been subpoenaed in August by Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) to answer questions about any knowledge of Epstein during his time as deputy attorney general (2003–2005) and later as FBI director (2013–2017). But in a letter sent to Comer on Oct. 1, Comey declined to testify, insisting he has “no knowledge or information relevant to the Committee’s investigation.”
“I offer this letter in lieu of a deposition that would unproductively consume the Committee’s scarce time and resources,” Comey wrote.
Republicans on the panel are investigating whether federal law enforcement or intelligence agencies overlooked or mishandled information about Epstein, the convicted sex offender who died in federal custody in 2019. The probe covers activities dating back to 1990 — a period that includes Comey’s high-level DOJ and FBI service.
Comey stated unequivocally:
“At no time during my service at the Department of Justice or the FBI do I recall any information or conversations that related to Jeffrey Epstein or Ghislaine Maxwell.”
(Maxwell, Epstein’s longtime associate, is serving 20 years for sex trafficking minors.)
The letter carries weight — knowingly making false statements to Congress is a federal crime. After receiving Comey’s response, Comer withdrew the subpoena, saying it would not be productive to proceed. Comer has also recently rescinded subpoenas for former Attorneys General Eric Holder and Merrick Garland, who similarly said they had no relevant information.
Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have also been subpoenaed to appear privately before the Oversight Committee this month however, it’s currently unclear if those meetings will go ahead as scheduled.
Top Republicans, including President Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson (La.), have voiced support to continue the Oversight probe, arguing that it represents the most effective way to get information promptly. Comer has already released thousands of documents obtained under subpoena from the Justice Department and Epstein’s estate.
