Clintons Refuse to Testify in House Epstein Probe, Comer Plans Contempt Charges/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Former President Bill Clinton defied a congressional subpoena Tuesday, failing to appear for a scheduled deposition in the House’s investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. House Oversight Chair James Comer says the committee will now proceed with contempt charges. Hillary Clinton, also subpoenaed, is expected to skip her scheduled appearance as well.
Clinton Subpoena Fallout Quick Looks
- Bill Clinton no-shows congressional deposition on Epstein investigation
- Scheduled for closed-door testimony before House Oversight Committee
- Chairman James Comer says contempt proceedings are moving forward
- Hillary Clinton also subpoenaed, not expected to appear Wednesday
- Clintons’ legal team argues subpoenas are invalid and unenforceable
- GOP lawmakers including Boebert and Perry attended Tuesday’s session
- Subpoenas part of bipartisan House probe into Epstein connections
- DOJ says it’s working to release remaining Epstein files
- Comer previously warned of consequences for ignoring subpoenas
- Contempt vote planned in Oversight Committee next week
Deep Look: Clintons Refuse to Testify in House Epstein Probe, Comer Plans Contempt Charges
WASHINGTON — Former President Bill Clinton did not appear for a closed-door congressional deposition on Tuesday, in defiance of a subpoena issued by the House Oversight Committee in its bipartisan investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s connections with high-profile figures. Chairman Comer confirmed that the committee will now begin the process of holding Clinton in contempt of Congress.
The Clintons, in a letter released on social media, slammed the House Oversight probe as “legally invalid” even as Republican lawmakers prepared contempt of Congress proceedings against them. The Clintons wrote that the chair of the House Oversight Committee, Republican Rep. James Comer, is on the cusp of a process “literally designed to result in our imprisonment.”
“We will forcefully defend ourselves,” wrote the Clintons, who are Democrats. They accused Comer of allowing other former officials to provide written statements about Epstein to the committee, while selectively enforcing subpoenas against them.
Comer said he’ll begin contempt of Congress proceedings next week. It potentially starts a complicated and politically messy process that Congress has rarely reached for and could result in prosecution from the Justice Department.
“No one’s accusing the Clintons of any wrongdoing. We just have questions,” Comer told reporters after Bill Clinton did not show up for a scheduled deposition at House offices Tuesday.
He added, “Anyone would admit they spent a lot of time together.”
Clinton had been scheduled to sit for sworn testimony at 10 a.m. but was not seen entering or leaving the committee’s secure meeting room, according to reporters at the Capitol. The planned deposition was part of a broader investigation into Epstein’s network and his relationships with influential individuals, including politicians, executives, and public officials.
“We will move next week in the House Oversight Committee to hold Bill Clinton in contempt of Congress,” said Comer, a Republican from Kentucky, speaking Tuesday morning.
The Clinton legal team has already pushed back, challenging the legal basis of the subpoenas. In a letter sent to Comer and obtained by congressional staff, the Clintons’ attorney argued that the demands for testimony were “invalid and legally unenforceable.” The letter urged Comer to “engage in good faith” to resolve the standoff and avoid escalation.
“[T]he Subpoenas issued to President and Secretary Clinton are invalid and legally unenforceable. Mindful of these defects, we trust you will engage in good faith to de-escalate this dispute,” the letter read.
The subpoena directed at Bill Clinton is part of a broader attempt by House Republicans and some Democrats to explore who had ties to Epstein, who died in federal custody in 2019 while facing sex trafficking charges. The committee has sought testimony from several public figures amid renewed scrutiny of Epstein’s activities following the release of previously sealed files and images.
Clinton’s failure to appear could now escalate into a legal fight, with the Oversight Committee expected to vote on a resolution recommending contempt charges. If passed, the full House would then consider the measure, which could eventually be referred to the Department of Justice for enforcement.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was also subpoenaed and is scheduled to testify on Wednesday. However, sources familiar with the situation say she is not expected to comply either.
Lawmakers seen entering the secure committee room on Tuesday included Republican Representatives Lauren Boebert of Colorado and Scott Perry of Pennsylvania, indicating the session had been prepared for high-profile witness testimony.
House Republicans have increased pressure on the Clintons and other individuals linked to Epstein in recent weeks, citing public interest and the need for transparency. Comer previously warned that failure to comply would result in swift action, including potential legal penalties.
This move follows a public response from Bill Clinton after images surfaced in the latest release of documents related to the Epstein case. Clinton has previously denied wrongdoing and said he had no knowledge of Epstein’s criminal behavior.
The Department of Justice has also drawn criticism after missing a deadline to release additional Epstein-related files. A spokesperson said Monday that DOJ attorneys were “working around the clock” to prepare documents for release.
Comer and his committee maintain that Congress has the authority to compel testimony and that failure to comply represents a threat to institutional oversight. The committee’s investigation includes scrutiny of Epstein’s visitor logs, flight records, and social and financial ties to political elites.
The Clintons’ challenge to the subpoenas could trigger a legal confrontation over congressional power, executive privilege, and the ability of Congress to investigate former public officials. Legal experts expect the matter to move swiftly if contempt proceedings are approved next week.
The contempt vote would add another layer to the already contentious debate surrounding the Epstein case, which continues to generate new revelations and political pressure for greater transparency.
If either Clinton is formally held in contempt, the matter could be referred to the courts or result in negotiations for testimony under limited conditions. As of Tuesday evening, no indication had been given that either Bill or Hillary Clinton planned to cooperate with the current congressional timeline.
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