Hillary Clinton sat for over six hours answering questions about Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes and offered Congress the same answer again and again: she knows absolutely nothing.
Story Snapshot
- Clinton testified February 26, 2026, denying any knowledge of Epstein’s crimes or meeting him personally
- The deposition paused when Rep. Lauren Boebert violated rules by leaking a photo on social media
- Republicans focus the probe on Clinton despite her documented anti-trafficking work; Democrats demand Trump testify too
- Questions veered into conspiracy theory territory, including Pizzagate and UFOs
- Bill Clinton’s deposition follows next, with his documented flights on Epstein’s plane drawing more scrutiny
Six Hours of Denials Behind Closed Doors
The House Oversight Committee summoned Hillary Clinton to Capitol Hill on February 26, 2026, as part of its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s network of powerful associates. The former Secretary of State delivered unequivocal denials throughout the marathon session. She stated she never met Epstein, never visited his island or properties, and had only casual encounters with convicted associate Ghislaine Maxwell at Clinton Foundation events. Her testimony contradicted years of conspiracy theories linking her to the disgraced financier’s sex trafficking operation.
The deposition itself became a spectacle of congressional dysfunction. Rep. Lauren Boebert forced a temporary halt by posting a photo from the closed-door proceedings on social media, violating chamber rules designed to protect witness testimony. Democrats immediately pounced, demanding full video and transcript releases to counter what they called a partisan fishing expedition. Rep. Robert Garcia insisted that if Clinton must testify, President Trump should face identical scrutiny given his own documented associations with Epstein.
The Epstein Files and Political Pressure
Congress passed a law in 2025 mandating the release of government files related to Epstein after years of public pressure. The Justice Department began releasing documents in January 2026, including photographs of Bill Clinton from Epstein-related materials. These releases reignited demands for sworn testimony from public figures connected to the late financier. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer rejected the Clintons’ offer of written sworn statements, instead issuing subpoenas backed by bipartisan contempt threats.
The investigation officially examines how the Justice Department allowed Epstein to escape federal prosecution in 2008 through a controversial Florida plea deal. Comer defended the Clinton subpoenas by noting Hillary’s role as Secretary of State included anti-trafficking initiatives, making her testimony relevant to understanding government failures. Democrats countered that the probe selectively targets political opponents while ignoring Trump’s connections to Epstein, which included multiple documented social interactions before his presidency.
From Sex Trafficking to Conspiracy Theories
Clinton’s post-testimony statement revealed the bizarre direction of questioning. She told reporters she faced inquiries about Pizzagate, the debunked conspiracy theory alleging she ran a child trafficking ring from a Washington pizzeria, and even questions about UFOs. These detours from the Epstein investigation proper underscored the political theater driving the proceedings. Clinton characterized the session as protecting Republicans and Trump rather than seeking truth about Epstein’s crimes and enablers.
The contrast between Hillary and Bill Clinton’s Epstein connections matters significantly. Bill Clinton flew on Epstein’s private plane multiple times for Clinton Foundation humanitarian trips to Africa and Asia, a fact documented in flight logs. No credible evidence places Hillary Clinton in Epstein’s orbit beyond brief social interactions with Maxwell at public foundation events. Yet the committee chose to depose her first, a sequencing choice Democrats called strategically partisan.
What Comes Next in the Congressional Probe
Bill Clinton’s deposition looms as the next major event in the committee’s investigation. His testimony will face tougher scrutiny given his acknowledged flights on Epstein’s aircraft, even though he maintains he knew nothing of criminal activities. Trump expressed regret about allowing the Clinton depositions to proceed, though he released Epstein files himself in 2025 under political pressure. The committee has not indicated whether it will call Trump or other prominent figures named in released documents.
"I do not recall ever encountering Mr. Epstein. I never flew on his plane or visited his island, homes or offices. I have nothing to add to that." https://t.co/Z5x45ZEaOy
— reason (@reason) February 27, 2026
Epstein’s victims and their advocates push for a comprehensive reckoning that transcends partisan lines. Democrats brought survivors to the recent State of the Union to highlight Trump’s Justice Department handling of Epstein matters. Republicans counter that the Clintons’ decades of proximity to power and their foundation’s international reach warrant investigation. Both parties voted to threaten contempt charges against the Clintons, showing rare bipartisan agreement on forcing cooperation. Whether this translates to equal scrutiny of all powerful figures connected to Epstein remains the central question for anyone seeking accountability over political points.
Sources:
Hillary Clinton is testifying as part of the House investigation into Jeffrey Epstein
