Former President Bill Clinton testifies before House panel in Epstein probe
Former President Bill Clinton is testifying Friday before the House Oversight Committee in a closed-door deposition tied to its investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The session is taking place near the Clintons’ home in Chappaqua, New York — a day after Hillary appeared before the same panel.
Clinton is answering questions under oath as part of the bipartisan congressional probe. It marks the first time a former president has been compelled to testify before lawmakers against his will.
The Justice Department’s latest Epstein-related files release shows Clinton flew on Epstein’s private plane multiple times in the early 2000s and appeared in photographs with him. Clinton has not accused him of any crimes, and a spokesperson said he ended contact before Epstein’s arrest in 2019.
The Clintons maintain they were unaware of any criminal activity.
What led to this?
The deposition follows months of negotiations between the Clintons and the committee. The couple had previously declined to appear for in-person questioning, saying they already provided sworn statements and relevant records.
In January, the Oversight panel voted to hold both in contempt of Congress for failing to testify. After further discussions with Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., the Clintons agreed to sit for depositions.
They had pushed for public testimony, but Republicans refused and insisted on closed-door depositions. The transcripts are expected to be released after review by the Clintons’ attorneys.
Hillary Clinton’s testimony
Hillary Clinton testified on Thursday, saying she had no knowledge of Epstein’s or Ghislaine Maxwell’s crimes.
Shortly after the hearing began, Clinton posted her opening remarks on social media, writing that she never encountered Epstein.
She also criticized the committee’s investigation, calling it a distraction.
“You have compelled me to testify, fully aware that I have no knowledge that would assist your investigation, in order to distract attention from President Trump’s actions and cover them up despite legitimate calls for answers,” her remarks read.
Following the deposition, Clinton spoke to reporters, calling Thursday’s questioning “repetitive.”
“I don’t know how many times I had to say I did not know Jeffrey Epstein. I never went to his island, I never went to his home, I never went to his offices,” she said.
Clinton added that by the end of the hearing, lawmakers were asking her random questions not related to Epstein.
Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
