The Jeffrey Epstein investigation intensified on Thursday as Hillary Clinton testified before the Republican-led House Oversight Committee and called on President Donald Trump to answer questions about his own links to the convicted sex offender.
The closed-door deposition took place in Chappaqua, where Hillary Clinton and former president Bill Clinton reside. The committee is examining individuals connected to Jeffrey Epstein, who died in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.
Speaking after her testimony, Hillary Clinton said she had no knowledge of Epstein’s criminal conduct. “I don’t know how many times I had to say I did not know Jeffrey Epstein,” she told reporters. She added that she never visited Epstein’s private island, homes or offices and expressed confidence that her husband was unaware of Epstein’s crimes.
Hillary Clinton also accused the panel of attempting to shield Donald Trump from scrutiny and challenged lawmakers to question the president about his presence in documents linked to Epstein. “Protecting one public official is not oversight,” she said, referring to Trump.
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer said the investigation seeks to clarify “many things about Epstein” and indicated that lawmakers were not fully satisfied with some of the responses provided during the deposition. He confirmed that Bill Clinton would testify on Friday.
Democratic committee member Suhas Subramanyam claimed that certain FBI files not included in public disclosures contain serious allegations involving Donald Trump. Republicans have not confirmed those assertions. Mere mention in investigative files does not constitute proof of criminal wrongdoing.
The hearing was briefly paused after a photograph of Hillary Clinton inside the deposition room was posted online, despite the agreed closed-door format. Hillary Clinton described the incident as a breach of established rules.
The Clintons had initially resisted subpoenas issued by the committee but agreed to testify after Republicans threatened contempt proceedings. They have argued that the investigation is politically motivated. Bill Clinton previously described the process as resembling a “kangaroo court”.
Government documents released in recent months reference both Donald Trump and Bill Clinton in connection with Epstein’s broader network. Both men have stated they cut ties with Epstein prior to his 2008 conviction in Florida. Bill Clinton has acknowledged travelling on Epstein’s aircraft in the early 2000s for foundation-related work but has denied visiting Epstein’s private Caribbean island.
Security around the Chappaqua deposition site was heightened, with Secret Service personnel and metal barricades in place as journalists gathered outside the venue.
The House Oversight Committee continues to investigate Epstein’s network of business leaders, politicians and public figures. Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s associate, is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking. She appeared before the committee earlier via video link and declined to answer questions, invoking her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.
The committee is expected to release a transcript of Hillary Clinton’s testimony following legal review, with video publication to follow within 24 hours, according to James Comer.
The outcome of the hearings could influence the broader political environment as the United States approaches a contentious election cycle, with oversight, accountability and transparency at the centre of congressional debate.
