Hillary Clinton Testifies in Epstein Probe, Bill Clinton to Follow
Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton testified on Thursday before U.S. lawmakers in New York as part of the congressional investigation into the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The deposition, which was conducted behind closed doors, took place in the Clintons' hometown of Chappaqua, located north of New York City. Former President Bill Clinton is expected to provide his testimony on Friday, marking a significant development in the ongoing probe.
Closed-Door Testimony and Transcript Release
The testimony was filmed, and a transcript is anticipated to be released shortly after committee members approve it. This follows months of negotiations between the Clintons and the Republican-controlled House Oversight Committee regarding the scheduling and parameters of the deposition. Republican Chairman James Comer and Democratic ranking member Robert Garcia both confirmed their attendance, as reported by NBC News.
Subpoenas and Scheduling Conflicts
The Clintons became targets of the committee last July when Republican House Representative Scott Perry from Pennsylvania motioned to subpoena the couple during a hearing of the Federal Law Enforcement Subcommittee. Subpoenas were issued by Comer the following month, with initial testimony scheduled for October. However, the date was postponed to December and then January due to scheduling conflicts.
Comer stated, "We worked for six months to get the Clintons to come in, and then they acted like they were coming in and then they didn’t show up." He noted that others on the subpoena list, including former FBI Director James Comey and former Attorneys General Eric Holder and Merrick Garland, have already been interviewed or submitted statements denying any knowledge of Epstein.
Unanswered Questions and Investigation Focus
Comer emphasized that the Clintons have not addressed many questions concerning their knowledge or potential involvement with Epstein and his accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year sentence for conspiring to sexually abuse underage girls. "No one is accusing at this moment the Clintons of any wrongdoing," Comer clarified. "They have due process, but we have a lot of questions."
The committee is also investigating how Epstein amassed significant wealth and managed to associate with some of the world's most powerful men. Epstein was found dead in a New York City jail cell in August 2019 while awaiting charges for sex trafficking of minors.
Broader Context and Related Developments
This testimony occurs amid broader scrutiny of Epstein's connections, with recent headlines including Larry Summers resigning from Harvard University after Epstein revelations and former U.K. ambassador Peter Mandelson being arrested in connection to Epstein links. The Clintons' depositions are poised to shed light on their interactions and knowledge regarding the financier's activities, potentially influencing public perception and legal proceedings.
