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What is the Hillary Clinton Epstein Testimony?
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton testified before the House Oversight Committee on February 26, 2026, in a closed-door deposition about her connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The six-hour hearing marked a significant development in the ongoing congressional investigation into Epstein's network of powerful associates. Clinton, who served as First Lady, U.S. Senator, and Secretary of State, faced questions about her husband's relationship with Epstein and her own interactions with Epstein's associate Ghislaine Maxwell.
Background: The Epstein Investigation Timeline
The congressional investigation follows the release of over 3.5 million pages of Epstein documents under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, signed into law by President Trump in November 2025. Jeffrey Epstein, who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, maintained relationships with numerous high-profile figures including former President Bill Clinton, Prince Andrew, and Donald Trump. The documents reveal Bill Clinton traveled on Epstein's private jet at least 16 times between 2002-2003 to destinations including Thailand, Portugal, Ghana, Russia, and China.
Key Testimony Details from Hillary Clinton
Denial of Knowledge About Epstein's Crimes
During her testimony, Clinton stated unequivocally: "I can't recall ever meeting him. I never flew on his plane. I never visited his properties." She emphasized she had "no idea" about Epstein or Maxwell's criminal activities, describing the investigation as a "fishing expedition" rather than legitimate oversight. Clinton's name appears over 700 times in Epstein files, though mostly in news articles about her 2016 presidential campaign that were shared with Epstein.
Relationship with Ghislaine Maxwell
Clinton acknowledged knowing Maxwell as a casual acquaintance but denied awareness of her role in Epstein's crimes. Maxwell attended Chelsea Clinton's 2010 wedding, which Clinton explained as part of the couple's broad social circle. "She was an acquaintance, not a close friend," Clinton testified, adding that she had no knowledge of Maxwell's criminal activities until her 2021 conviction.
Political Accusations and Leaked Photos
The deposition was briefly interrupted when Republican Representative Lauren Boebert leaked photos from the hearing to social media, which Democrats called a rules violation. Clinton criticized the investigation as "political theater" and suggested Republicans were trying to distract from former President Trump's connections to Epstein, whose name appears frequently in the released documents.
Bill Clinton's Upcoming Testimony
Former President Bill Clinton is scheduled to testify on February 27, 2026, marking the first time Congress has forced a former president to answer questions under subpoena. Unlike his wife, Bill Clinton appears in numerous Epstein documents including flight logs, photographs, and handwritten notes. The documents show he traveled extensively with Epstein and Maxwell in the early 2000s, though no criminal conduct has been alleged.
Political Context and Committee Dynamics
Republican Committee Leadership
Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) emphasized that Republicans weren't accusing the Clintons of wrongdoing but sought to understand Epstein's connections to powerful individuals. "Nobody is accusing the Clintons of doing anything wrong at this point," Comer stated before the hearing. "But if you're Bill Clinton's wife, don't you have questions about your husband's activities?"
Democratic Criticism
Democrats on the committee criticized the proceedings as partisan, noting there was no evidence Clinton had knowledge of Epstein's crimes. They called for former President Trump to also testify, pointing to his documented relationship with Epstein in the 1990s and early 2000s. The investigation has become a political flashpoint similar to other congressional investigations of wealthy elites.
Impact and Implications
The Clinton testimonies represent a significant moment in the ongoing Epstein investigation, which has implicated numerous powerful figures across political parties. The hearings come amid renewed public interest following the release of millions of pages of documents and the 2025 conviction of Prince Andrew in the UK for his Epstein connections. The investigation raises broader questions about accountability for wealthy individuals and the justice system's treatment of powerful figures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Hillary Clinton say about Jeffrey Epstein?
Clinton testified she never met Epstein, never flew on his plane, never visited his properties, and had no knowledge of his criminal activities.
When did Bill Clinton testify?
Former President Bill Clinton is scheduled to testify on February 27, 2026, the day after his wife's deposition.
What evidence connects the Clintons to Epstein?
Flight logs show Bill Clinton traveled on Epstein's plane at least 16 times between 2002-2003. Photographs show him with Epstein and Maxwell, and Maxwell attended Chelsea Clinton's wedding in 2010.
Why is Congress investigating Epstein connections now?
The investigation follows the release of over 3.5 million pages of Epstein documents under the 2025 Epstein Files Transparency Act.
What happens after the testimonies?
Transcripts and video of the depositions will be released after review by all participants, potentially revealing new details about Epstein's network.
Sources
USA Today: Hillary Clinton Epstein Testimony
CBS News: Clinton Epstein Deposition Details
