Former President Bill Clinton underwent a six-hour deposition before the House Oversight Committee on Friday regarding his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Republicans described him as cooperative and candid, while Democrats criticized the probe as political theater. The testimony follows a similar session with Hillary Clinton and comes amid calls for broader subpoenas.
The House Oversight Committee's investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's network led to the deposition of former President Bill Clinton on Friday, February 27, 2026, in New York. The session lasted approximately six hours, similar to Hillary Clinton's testimony the previous day in Chappaqua, New York. Chairman James Comer, a Republican from Kentucky, called the event "historical," noting that it involved the two highest-ranking officials ever deposed by Congress: Bill and Hillary Clinton. Comer stated, "This is a serious investigation, and we will continue to try to get the truth to the American people and justice for the victims."
Republican members, including Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina, praised Clinton's cooperation. Mace said, "He did attempt to respond to every single question asked, even when his attorneys told him to shut up, he kept going." Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida added that Clinton was "cooperative and answering questions," describing him as "pretty transparent." In his opening statement posted on social media, Clinton asserted he "saw nothing" and "did nothing wrong," anticipating frequent use of "I don’t recall" due to the passage of time. He emphasized, "I’m not going to say something I’m not sure of. This was a long time ago, and I am bound by my oath not to speculate, or to guess."
During the deposition, Clinton addressed questions about former President Donald Trump's Epstein ties, stating Trump never indicated involvement, according to Comer. Trump, who knew Epstein in the 1990s and 2000s, told reporters he disliked seeing Clinton deposed, adding, "I like him."
Democrats on the committee, such as Rep. Wesley Bell of Missouri, viewed the proceedings as "political theater" rather than a genuine pursuit of justice for victims. Bell noted, "There are real victims. There are real survivors who deserve justice." He and others, including Rep. Robert Garcia of California, pushed for subpoenas of Trump, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick—who visited Epstein's island—and others like Elon Musk, arguing for impartiality. Political consultant Paul Begala, a Clinton ally, echoed that the Clintons provided no useful information and highlighted Bill Clinton's consistent denial of visiting Epstein's island or ranch, or knowing of his crimes. Begala predicted the precedent could require Trump to testify post-presidency.
Hillary Clinton, who denied ever meeting Epstein, referred about a dozen questions to her husband during her session. She told reporters Republicans asked "very repetitive" questions, including on UFOs, and suggested Bill would detail pre-2008 contacts when Epstein's crimes were unknown. Documents show Bill Clinton flew on Epstein's plane multiple times for Clinton Foundation work, appeared in photos with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, and the foundation received a 2006 donation from Epstein's nonprofit. Epstein visited the White House 17 times during Clinton's presidency. Maxwell assisted in founding the Clinton Global Initiative in 2004.
Neither Clinton has been accused of wrongdoing related to Epstein's sex crimes, and both deny visiting his island. The committee plans to release videos within 24 hours and transcripts after legal review. Comer promised more subpoenas but did not specify targets. A leaked photo from Hillary's deposition by Rep. Lauren Boebert violated House rules, drawing criticism from Democrats.
