Hillary Clinton has publicly shared her complete opening statement from a closed-door deposition related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, delivering sharp criticism of the Trump administration's handling of the case and firmly denying any personal knowledge of Epstein's criminal activities.
Clinton Denies Any Recollection of Epstein
In her statement, posted on social media on Thursday, 26 February 2026, Clinton asserted that she had no information about the crimes committed by Epstein and his co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell. "I had no idea about their criminal activities. I do not recall ever encountering Mr. Epstein," she stated unequivocally.
Clinton expressed profound dismay at the revelations surrounding Epstein's actions, describing them as horrifying and unfathomable. She highlighted the initial leniency shown towards Epstein in 2008, which she argued enabled his predatory behaviour to persist for an additional decade.
Criticism of Investigation Transparency
The former Secretary of State directed pointed remarks at the House Oversight Committee, accusing it of failing to uphold transparency in its probe. "Mr. Chairman, your investigation is supposed to be assessing the federal government's handling of the investigations and prosecutions of Epstein and his crime," Clinton noted.
She further criticised the committee for conducting zero public hearings and refusing media access to proceedings, including the deposition itself, despite frequent public endorsements of transparency. This lack of openness, Clinton implied, contributes to a perception of a cover-up within the Trump administration's approach to the Epstein case.
Context of the Deposition
The deposition forms part of a broader inquiry into the connections between high-profile individuals, including Bill and Hillary Clinton, and the Epstein-Maxwell network. Clinton's decision to release her opening statement aims to preempt speculation and assert her cooperation with the investigation while challenging its methodology.
Her remarks underscore ongoing political tensions and scrutiny surrounding the Epstein scandal, which continues to resonate in legal and public spheres years after his death. The deposition's closed-door nature has sparked debates about accountability and the thoroughness of governmental oversight in sensitive cases involving influential figures.
