CHAPPAQUA, N.Y. — Former President Bill Clinton sat for a high-stakes, closed-door deposition with the House Oversight Committee on Friday, addressing his historical ties to deceased financier Jeffrey Epstein while issuing a scathing rebuke of the Republican-led panel’s tactics.
The testimony, held at Clinton’s New York residence on February 27, marks a significant escalation in the congressional investigation into Epstein’s web of influence. Despite the private nature of the hearing, Clinton, 79, immediately took to social media to release his opening statement and a follow-up video, framing the inquiry as a politically motivated pursuit.
A Defense of ‘Rule of Law’ and a Rejection of Allegations
In a meticulously crafted opening statement, the 42nd President positioned his cooperation as a matter of civic duty rather than a legal necessity.
“America was built upon the idea that no person is above the law, even Presidents—especially Presidents,” Clinton stated. However, he remained firm in his long-standing defense: that he had no knowledge of Epstein’s sex trafficking operations during their social encounters over two decades ago.
Clinton emphasized his personal history with domestic abuse as a reason he would have never knowingly associated with a predator. “I would have turned him in myself and led the call for justice,” Clinton said, asserting that Epstein “hid it from everyone so well for so long.”
The Hillary Clinton Subpoena: ‘Simply Not Right’
A central theme of the President’s testimony was the defense of his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Her own deposition on February 26 was marred by controversy after Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) allegedly leaked unauthorized photos of the proceedings to a social media influencer.
The former President used his testimony to chastise the committee for compelled her appearance, noting that unlike himself, Hillary Clinton does not appear in the Department of Justice’s archive of Epstein-related evidence.
“Whether you subpoenaed 10 people or 10,000, including her was simply not right,” Clinton told the committee, asserting she had “nothing to do” with the convicted sex offender.
‘I Don’t Recall’: Navigating 20-Year-Old Ties
While maintaining a professional tone, Clinton warned investigators that his memory of events from the early 2000s would be limited. He cautioned that his answers might be “unsatisfying” to those seeking a specific narrative.
- On the Evidence: Clinton dismissed the significance of “20-year-old photos,” stating his personal knowledge of his actions carries more weight than “outlandish” interpretations of the images.
- On the Timeline: He noted that by the time Epstein’s crimes came to light in 2008, he had already ceased all contact with the financier.
- On Cooperation: Despite his skepticism of the committee’s goals, he stated he was prepared to answer questions “consistent with the facts as I know them.”
Partisan Tensions Flare Over Leaks and Procedures
The Clinton depositions have been a flashpoint for partisan friction. The proceedings on Thursday were reportedly halted after Secretary Clinton requested the doors be opened to the press following Rep. Boebert’s breach of protocol. Chairman James Comer (R-KY) denied the request, maintaining the closed-door status.
The Clintons had previously resisted these appearances, suggesting in a public letter that the committee was “demanding the most from those who know the least.”
What’s Next for the Investigation?
The House Oversight Committee has not yet announced if or when the full transcripts of the Clintons’ testimonies will be made public. Chairman Comer holds the sole discretion for their release. As the committee continues to sift through the “Epstein Files,” the focus remains on whether federal agencies failed to properly investigate the financier’s crimes during his life.
