Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told lawmakers on Thursday that she “had no idea” about the criminal activities of Jeffrey Epstein, as she urged the House Oversight Committee to question former President Donald Trump under oath about his past association with the late financier.
Clinton spent six hours in a closed-door deposition before the Republican-led panel investigating Epstein’s network and political connections. Her husband, former President Bill Clinton, is scheduled to testify on Friday after both had initially resisted subpoenas.
Clinton: “I want to see the truth come out”
Speaking to reporters after the session, Clinton said she was disappointed the testimony was not public:
“I want to see the truth come out … I wouldn’t have to characterise it for you if it were public.”
She said she appreciated Committee Chair James Comer for raising serious questions about the scope of the investigation and for hearing her concerns about what areas still need examination.
Clinton also criticised Republican members for failing to question other witnesses about Epstein or Ghislaine Maxwell, saying the focus appeared selective.
Opening Statement: Denies Any Contact With Epstein
Ahead of the hearing, Clinton released her opening statement on X, repeating that she never had interactions with Epstein:
“I had no idea about their criminal activities. I do not recall ever encountering Mr Epstein. I never flew on his plane or visited his island, homes or offices.”
Clinton pressed the committee to summon Donald Trump, whose name appears repeatedly in the unsealed Epstein files.
The Clintons and Trump all deny wrongdoing related to Epstein.
Bill Clinton to Testify Next
Bill Clinton has said he cut ties with Epstein two decades ago, describing their contact as limited to philanthropic work after his presidency. He has expressed regret about any association.
Photo Leak Sparks Tension
Thursday’s closed deposition was briefly halted after a photo from inside the session — taken by Republican Congresswoman Lauren Boebert — was leaked to a conservative influencer.
Democrats called the leak “completely against the rules.”
Boebert claimed the photo was taken before the deposition began.
Clinton’s team paused the hearing to ensure no further rules would be violated.
Democrats Call Proceedings a “Clown Show”
Democratic members of the committee spoke briefly to reporters during a break, defending Clinton and criticising the Republican-led probe.
Congressman Robert Garcia called for the full transcript to be released within 24 hours and demanded that Trump testify.
Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari described the proceedings as an “unserious clown show”, accusing Republicans of being more focused on photographing Clinton than on uncovering facts.