Clinton denies Epstein ties in Congress probe

Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told lawmakers she had no knowledge of the criminal conduct of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein or his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, as she testified behind closed doors before the House Oversight Committee in New York. Clinton stated she had never met Epstein, never travelled on his aircraft and had no involvement with his properties or activities.

Closed-door deposition in New York

The deposition followed an agreement by Clinton and former President Bill Clinton to comply with a subpoena issued by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, avoiding potential contempt of Congress proceedings. The session forms part of a broader congressional inquiry into the Epstein case, which has continued to generate political and legal controversy in the United States.

Partisan dispute over investigation

Clinton said she respected congressional oversight but criticised what she described as politically motivated tactics. “As a former Senator, I have respect for legislative oversight…,” she said, while arguing that such inquiries can become partisan exercises. Committee Chair James Comer rejected accusations of political bias, stating that the Clintons are not currently accused of wrongdoing and are entitled to due process.

Tensions escalated when an unauthorised image from the private hearing surfaced on social media. Lawmakers said the leak violated committee rules, prompting a temporary pause in proceedings. Despite the disruption, the deposition concluded later the same day, with Comer indicating that a video recording could be released within 24 hours.

Calls to expand probe

Democratic Representative Robert Garcia urged investigators to broaden the scope of the inquiry and called for testimony from President Donald Trump. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer also alleged that the Department of Justice was withholding records linked to the Epstein case, accusing officials of protecting Trump.

Clinton reiterated to reporters that she had “never met Jeffrey Epstein” and described Maxwell as only a casual acquaintance. She also voiced frustration over what she said were unrelated questions posed during the session, including references to UFOs and the debunked “Pizzagate” conspiracy theory.

Epstein was found dead in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. In 2008, he pleaded guilty in Florida to procuring a minor for prostitution, a plea agreement that later drew widespread criticism. Allegations that he operated a network involving influential figures continue to fuel investigations and political debate in Washington.