Clinton Testifies for Hours in Congressional Epstein Review
Former US President Bill Clinton spent several hours answering questions from lawmakers as part of a congressional review into records connected to financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Speaking before the House Oversight Committee in a closed-door session, Clinton stated he was unaware of Epstein’s criminal conduct and maintained that he never engaged in any improper behavior.
The deposition examined Clinton’s presence in Justice Department files, including references to past travel and a photograph showing him in a hot tub alongside an unidentified woman. According to individuals briefed on the session, Clinton told lawmakers he did not recognize the woman and denied any misconduct.
Emphasis on Transparency
In a statement released before his testimony, Clinton said that had he known about Epstein’s crimes, he would have immediately cut ties. He also called for the public release of investigative materials to ensure accountability and clarity.
Committee Chairman James Comer described the interview as thorough, noting that Clinton responded to questions over several hours. Transcripts and video footage are expected to be made public in the coming days.
Clinton’s testimony followed that of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who similarly told lawmakers she had no awareness of Epstein’s criminal actions.
Political and Legal Context
The deposition also touched on broader questions about Epstein’s connections with prominent figures, including President Donald Trump. Committee leaders stated that Clinton said he had no knowledge of any wrongdoing involving Trump.
Epstein, who died in custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal charges, had maintained relationships with numerous public figures over the years. Officials have emphasized that appearing in investigative files does not, by itself, imply wrongdoing.
Lawmakers from both parties indicated that the inquiry is focused on transparency and gathering facts rather than assigning blame.
