Clinton Deposition Marks First for Former President/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Former President Bill Clinton testified before House lawmakers investigating Jeffrey Epstein. Republicans pressed him about his past association with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Democrats argue the inquiry should extend to President Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
Quick Look: Clinton Deposition
- Bill Clinton testified in closed-door session Friday.
- First former president compelled to testify before Congress.
- Inquiry focuses on ties to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.
- Clinton not accused of wrongdoing.
- Republicans demand accountability for powerful figures.
- Democrats call for Trump and Howard Lutnick to testify.
- Transcript and video of deposition expected to be released.
Deep Look: Clinton Deposition Marks First for Former President
WASHINGTON — Former President Bill Clinton appeared Friday before congressional investigators probing the crimes and network of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, becoming the first former U.S. president compelled to testify before Congress.
The closed-door deposition took place in Chappaqua, New York, a day after former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton gave her own testimony to the House Oversight Committee.
While Bill Clinton has not been accused of any wrongdoing, lawmakers are examining his past association with Epstein and Epstein’s former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Republicans Press for Accountability
Republican Rep. James Comer of Kentucky, chairman of the House Oversight Committee, said the deposition reflects broader concerns about accountability for powerful individuals connected to Epstein.
“Men — and women — of great power and great wealth from all across the world have been able to get away with heinous crimes and they haven’t been held accountable,” Comer said before the session began. “No one’s accusing anyone of wrongdoing, but the American people have questions.”
Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to state charges in Florida for soliciting prostitution from an underage girl. He later faced federal sex trafficking charges before his 2019 death in a New York jail cell.
Photos included in a Justice Department document release last year showed Bill Clinton traveling with Epstein. In one image, Clinton is seated on Epstein’s plane next to a woman whose face is redacted. Another shows Clinton and Maxwell in a pool alongside another unidentified individual.
Comer said the committee has evidence that Epstein visited the White House 17 times during Clinton’s presidency and that Clinton flew on Epstein’s private plane 27 times, often for humanitarian trips.
Clinton Denies Knowledge of Abuse
Ahead of the deposition, Clinton has maintained that he had limited knowledge of Epstein’s activities and was unaware of any sexual abuse at the time of their association.
Hillary Clinton told lawmakers Thursday that she had no knowledge of Epstein’s crimes and did not recall meeting him. She said she expected her husband to testify that he had no awareness of Epstein’s misconduct while they knew him.
“I think the chronology of the connection that he had with Epstein ended several years before anything about Epstein’s criminal activities came to light,” she said after her deposition.
Comer indicated that Hillary Clinton had deferred some questions to her husband. The committee plans to release transcripts and video recordings of the depositions.
Democrats Push for Broader Scrutiny
Democrats on the Oversight Committee, while supporting efforts to obtain testimony from Bill Clinton, say the investigation should not be limited to former Democratic leaders.
Rep. Robert Garcia of California, the top Democrat on the panel, said President Donald Trump should also testify given his past relationship with Epstein.
“I think that President Trump needs to get in front of this committee and answer the questions,” Garcia said.
Comer rejected the idea, saying Trump has already addressed questions from the press.
Democrats are also targeting Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who was a longtime neighbor of Epstein in New York City. Lutnick previously said he severed ties with Epstein in 2005 after visiting his home.
However, documents released publicly show Lutnick attended a 2011 event at Epstein’s residence and that his family had lunch with Epstein on his private island in 2012.
“He should be removed from office and at a minimum should come before the committee,” Garcia said.
Republican Rep. Nancy Mace also questioned Hillary Clinton about Lutnick during Thursday’s session and on Friday joined calls for him to testify. Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna said he believes there are enough votes to subpoena the commerce secretary if necessary.
A Broader Reckoning
The depositions come amid renewed political pressure to examine how Epstein maintained relationships with prominent figures despite his 2008 conviction.
Lawmakers from both parties say the inquiry is about transparency and public trust, though sharp partisan divisions remain over who should face questioning.
For now, the unprecedented testimony of a former president underscores the gravity of the investigation — and signals that scrutiny of Epstein’s powerful associates is likely to continue.
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