Former FBI Director James Comey Denies Knowledge of Epstein Files, Faces Indictment: House Oversight Committee Subpoena Withdrawn
Former FBI Director James Comey has denied any knowledge of files related to Jeffrey Epstein, the late convicted sex offender. The House Oversight Committee Chairman withdrew the subpoena for Comey to appear in person for a deposition regarding the Epstein investigation. Comey was indicted on charges of making false statements and obstruction of justice related to his 2020 testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Comey was initially subpoenaed in August to testify behind closed doors but the demand was withdrawn after he and other former Justice Department leaders provided written statements. Trump allies have accused Comey of misleading Congress and authorizing politically motivated leaks about the FBI's probe into Trump campaign associates in 2016. Comey is set to appear before a court for his arraignment later this week.
Comey's indictment alleges that he obstructed a congressional investigation and made a false statement. He maintains his innocence. Other former officials, including Attorneys General Merrick Garland and Eric Holder, have also denied knowledge of files related to Epstein. The House Oversight Committee has withdrawn subpoenas for several individuals in the Epstein investigation.
The Trump administration and House GOP leadership have sought to move past the Epstein files following the DOJ's announcement that no further documents would be released. The committee issued subpoenas for depositions earlier this year, including former President Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary Clinton. The committee has released multiple batches of documents related to the DOJ files.
Rep. Thomas Massie introduced a discharge petition to force a vote for a full release of the Epstein files, but it was one signature short of compelling House Speaker Mike Johnson to put the transparency bill on the House floor for a vote. Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva is expected to sign the discharge petition to reach the necessary signatures for floor action. Johnson has delayed Grijalva's swearing-in, which some Democrats attribute to her support for releasing files related to Epstein.