Bill Clinton Faces Intense Epstein Questions in Six-Hour Deposition
Former President Bill Clinton underwent a rigorous six-hour deposition with the House Oversight Committee on Friday, facing pointed questions about his connections to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The closed-door proceedings, held in upstate New York, saw lawmakers from both parties emerge with starkly contrasting interpretations of Clinton's testimony, particularly regarding its implications for President Donald Trump.
Sharp Partisan Divisions Emerge
Democratic and Republican committee members offered completely different assessments of the deposition's significance. Republican Chairman James Comer asserted that Clinton's testimony effectively exonerated Trump of any wrongdoing related to Epstein. "He stated that he has no information that President Trump did anything wrong, and that President Trump never said anything to Clinton to make him think that he was involved with Epstein," Comer declared in an official statement.
Conversely, Democratic members contended that Clinton's testimony actually raised more questions about Trump's relationship with Epstein. Oversight Committee Democrats noted in their statement that "President Clinton confirmed that he knew Trump and Epstein had a close relationship and said Trump reported having 'great times' with Epstein." They emphasized that Clinton's account highlighted the need to understand why Trump and Epstein's friendship dissolved in the early 2000s.
Clinton's Firm Denials and Criticism
Throughout the deposition, the former two-term Democratic president maintained his innocence regarding any knowledge of Epstein's criminal activities. "I had no idea of the crimes Epstein was committing," Clinton told lawmakers during his opening remarks. He stressed that he "did nothing wrong" and "saw nothing that ever gave me pause," adding that he severed ties with Epstein long before the financier's 2008 guilty plea.
Clinton faced specific questions about photographs included in the Epstein files, including one showing him in a jacuzzi with a woman whose face was redacted. When asked if he knew the woman or had sexual relations with her, Clinton reportedly denied both, though he acknowledged that his memory might not recall all details from years ago.
The former president also criticized committee members for subpoenaing his wife, Hillary Clinton, for a separate six-hour deposition the previous day. "You made Hillary come in. She had nothing to do with Jeffrey Epstein. Nothing," Clinton stated, emphasizing that she had no memory of even meeting Epstein and had never traveled with him or visited his properties.
Contrasting Accounts of Hillary Clinton's Testimony
Republican Representative Nancy Mace offered a dramatic account of Hillary Clinton's deposition, accusing the former secretary of state of "screaming" and being "unhinged" during questioning. A spokesperson for Hillary Clinton vehemently denied this characterization, calling Mace "full of s***."
Democratic members accused Republicans of using Hillary Clinton's subpoena for political theater, noting that she was asked unrelated questions about UFOs, conspiracy theories, and personal feelings during her testimony.
Investigation Continues with More Testimony Expected
Following Clinton's deposition, Republican committee members emphasized that their investigation remains ongoing. "We're going to bring more people in," Comer told reporters. "We're not finished." The committee has already deposed billionaire Les Wexner, a longtime Epstein associate, earlier this month, and lawmakers indicated they may seek testimony from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who admitted to visiting Epstein's private island in 2012.
When questioned about whether President Trump would be called to testify, Republicans suggested there was no need, claiming he had been exonerated. Democrats countered this position forcefully. "If Donald Trump, according to them, is exonerated, then why did Secretary Hillary Clinton — who's literally never met Jeffrey Epstein — come before us?" asked Representative Yassamin Ansari, an Arizona Democrat. "By that standard, Donald Trump should come before this committee."
Video of the deposition proceedings is expected to be released soon, and lawmakers from both parties have vowed to continue their investigation into Epstein's network and the sources of his wealth.
