A closed-door congressional deposition of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was temporarily halted Thursday after Representative Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) allegedly bypassed committee rules by sharing an unauthorized photograph of the proceeding with a conservative media commentator.
The incident occurred just hours into Clinton’s high-stakes testimony before the House Oversight Committee regarding the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. The deposition, held in Chappaqua, New York, is part of a broader GOP-led inquiry into the late financier’s social circle and the recently released “Epstein Files.”
Protocol Breach Stalls Testimony
The proceedings came to a standstill when Clinton’s legal team and Democratic lawmakers discovered that a photo of the former First Lady appearing before the committee had surfaced on social media. The image was posted by conservative commentator Benny Johnson, who credited Boebert for the leak.
Committee rules strictly prohibit the use of cameras or the dissemination of images from private depositions to maintain the integrity of the record before a final transcript is released.
“The hearing went off the record immediately to address a blatant violation of House rules,” a spokesperson for the minority staff said. “Members of Congress are not above the protocols designed to ensure a fair and professional process.”
Boebert remained defiant following the disruption. In a post on X, she appeared to mock the situation, suggesting she simply “admired” Clinton’s suit and felt the public deserved to see the proceedings.
Clinton Denies Ties to Epstein and Maxwell
Before and after the disruption, Clinton maintained a firm stance, categorically denying any personal or professional relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
In an opening statement later shared publicly, Clinton stated:
“I have no knowledge that would assist your investigation. I do not recall ever encountering Mr. Epstein. I never flew on his plane or visited his island, homes, or offices.”
Clinton acknowledged a casual acquaintance with Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s long-time associate currently serving a 20-year prison sentence, noting they had crossed paths at Clinton Foundation events. She also addressed Maxwell’s attendance at her daughter Chelsea’s 2010 wedding, clarifying that Maxwell attended as the guest of another invitee.
“Fishing Expedition” vs. Investigative Oversight
The deposition follows months of legal sparring. The House Oversight Committee, chaired by Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), issued subpoenas for both Hillary and former President Bill Clinton after threatening them with contempt of Congress charges.
- Republican Argument: Chairman Comer maintains the committee must investigate how Epstein “accumulated such wealth” and why he was able to “surround himself with the most powerful people in the world.”
- Democratic Argument: Clinton and her allies have labeled the inquiry a “fishing expedition,” accusing Republicans of using the Epstein files to distract from President Donald Trump’s own recorded history with the financier.
What’s Next: Bill Clinton Takes the Stand
Despite the interruption, the deposition eventually resumed and concluded after approximately six hours. Republican leadership has promised to release the video footage and a redacted transcript once it has been reviewed by counsel.
The investigative focus now shifts to former President Bill Clinton, who is scheduled for his own closed-door deposition on Friday. He will be the first former president in modern history to be compelled to testify before a House panel in such a capacity.
