Jeffrey Epstein – Bill Clinton Denies Knowledge in Deposition
Jeffrey Epstein – Former US President Bill Clinton told members of Congress that he was unaware of Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal conduct and maintained that he never witnessed or participated in any wrongdoing during their past interactions.
Closed-Door Deposition Marks Rare Moment
Clinton appeared for a private deposition before the Republican-led House Oversight and Government Reform Committee at his residence in Chappaqua, New York. The session marked an unusual moment in congressional history, as it was the first time a former US president had been required to provide testimony under a subpoena issued by lawmakers.
In his prepared opening remarks, Clinton stated that he had no knowledge of the crimes Epstein later admitted to and was accused of committing. “I saw nothing and I did nothing wrong,” he told the panel, according to people familiar with the proceedings. He added that, even in hindsight, there had been no warning signs during his association with the financier.
Clinton said that Epstein had concealed his actions from those around him for years, describing the situation as one in which “he hid it from everyone so well for so long.”
Objection to Hillary Clinton’s Subpoena
During the deposition, Clinton also voiced frustration over the committee’s decision to subpoena his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, a day earlier. He argued that she had no involvement with Epstein and questioned the necessity of her testimony.
According to participants in the session, Clinton said it was inappropriate to compel her appearance, regardless of how many individuals were called before the committee.
The deposition followed months of negotiations between the Clintons’ legal team and the GOP-led panel. At one stage, the committee moved forward with contempt resolutions before Clinton agreed to comply with the subpoena. Lawmakers have indicated that video footage and transcripts from the session will be released publicly in the coming days.
Lawmakers React to Testimony
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer described Clinton as cooperative during the questioning. Speaking to reporters afterward, Comer said the former president answered or attempted to answer each question posed to him.
Comer added that once the full record is made public, Americans may raise additional questions about some of the responses and the broader context of the inquiry.
Representative Nancy Mace also commented on the session, saying Clinton continued answering questions even when advised by his legal counsel to refrain from doing so.
On the Democratic side, Representative Robert Garcia, the committee’s ranking member, emphasized the seriousness of the proceedings. He said lawmakers were focused on obtaining clear and substantive answers regarding Clinton’s past interactions with Epstein.
Past Connections and Ongoing Scrutiny
Clinton has previously acknowledged traveling on Epstein’s private aircraft in 2002 and 2003 for work connected to his foundation. However, he has consistently denied ever visiting Epstein’s private island. Documents released by the Justice Department have included references to Clinton’s interactions with Epstein and photographs of the two together, though no evidence of criminal wrongdoing by Clinton has been presented in those materials.
The renewed scrutiny comes amid broader public attention on prominent individuals who had past associations with Epstein. President Donald Trump, who has also faced questions about earlier ties to the financier, commented on Clinton’s deposition, saying he did not favor seeing a former president questioned but noted that he himself had previously been subject to investigation.
Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to charges involving the solicitation of a minor. He was arrested again in 2019 on federal sex-trafficking charges and died later that year while in custody. His longtime associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence after being convicted of recruiting and grooming underage girls.
As Congress prepares to release the deposition materials, attention is likely to focus on what the testimony reveals and whether it prompts further action from lawmakers.