Hillary Clinton faced a Congressional inquiry, asserting her lack of knowledge regarding Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell's criminal activities. “I had no idea about their criminal activities. I do not recall ever encountering Mr. Epstein,” she stated during her opening remarks.
The depositions, conducted behind closed doors in Chappaqua, New York, mark a significant moment in political history, as it is the first instance a former president has been compelled to testify before Congress. This inquiry follows months of contentious exchanges between the Clintons and the Republican-led House oversight committee.
As the hearing commenced, a brief interruption occurred when Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert shared a photo of Bill Clinton with a conservative influencer, which violated committee protocols. Boebert defended the influencer, claiming “they did nothing wrong.”
Calls for accountability regarding Epstein’s exploitation of underage girls have gained momentum in Washington and beyond. Donald Trump, expressing regret over the Clintons’ compelled testimony, previously succumbed to pressure to release documents related to Epstein, who died in custody in 2019 while awaiting trial.
The Clintons agreed to testify after their initial offers of sworn statements were rejected by the oversight panel, with Chairman James Comer threatening them with criminal contempt charges.
In a recent interview, Hillary Clinton emphasized their willingness to share what they know, albeit limited and unrelated to Epstein's actions. She noted her husband’s charitable flights with Epstein and acknowledged interactions with Maxwell at Clinton Foundation events, including Chelsea Clinton’s wedding in 2010.
Bill Clinton has become a focal point for Republican scrutiny regarding ties to Epstein. The Department of Justice released several photos of him with women whose identities were obscured, although he has not faced allegations of wrongdoing related to Epstein. Comer has also highlighted Hillary Clinton’s efforts as secretary of state to combat sex trafficking as justification for her deposition.
The committee aims to uncover why previous administrations did not pursue further charges against Epstein after his 2008 plea deal for soliciting prostitution from an underage girl, which allowed him to evade federal prosecution.
Conspiracy theories surrounding the Clintons’ connections to Epstein and Maxwell have persisted, particularly among right-wing circles. Republicans have long sought answers from the Clintons, with Comer promising extensive questioning for both.
“We have a lot of questions, and the purpose of the whole investigation is to try to understand many things about Epstein,” he remarked outside the venue where the depositions were held. “How did he accumulate so much wealth? How was he able to surround himself with some of the most powerful men in the world?”
Democrats, now led by a new generation of leaders, have prioritized transparency regarding Epstein over defending former party figures. Robert Garcia from California, the senior Democrat on the oversight panel, called for Trump to testify as well, arguing that Bill Clinton’s appearance sets a precedent for Trump’s involvement. “Let’s get President Trump in front of our committee to answer the questions that are being asked across this country from survivors,” Garcia stated.
Even prominent Democrats like former Speaker Nancy Pelosi have supported the committee's decision to interview anyone connected to Epstein. “We want to hear from everyone,” Pelosi asserted, emphasizing the importance of believing survivors while questioning why Hillary Clinton was being interviewed.
