Epstein File Case: Former President Bill Clinton appeared before members of Congress on Friday for hours of questioning about his past association with Jeffrey Epstein. During the closed-door deposition, Clinton strongly denied any wrongdoing.
“I saw nothing, and I did nothing wrong,” the former Democratic president said in an opening statement he shared on social media at the outset of the deposition.
The session took place in Chappaqua, New York. It marked the first time in US history that a former president was required to testify before Congress. The deposition came just one day after his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, answered questions from lawmakers in her own closed-door session.
My statement on today’s deposition. pic.twitter.com/1Yu6lBa5pS
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) February 28, 2026
Epstein File Case: Lawmakers Examine Accountability Over Epstein Connections
Although Bill Clinton has not been accused of any crime, lawmakers are examining how powerful individuals handled their connections to Epstein. Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 in Florida to state charges for soliciting prostitution from an underage girl. In later years, he faced federal sex trafficking charges before dying by suicide in jail in 2019.
Some lawmakers believe that influential figures have escaped accountability for maintaining ties with Epstein even after his criminal conviction.
“Men – and women for that matter – of great power and great wealth from all across the world have been able to get away with a lot of heinous crimes and they haven’t been held accountable and they have not even had to answer questions,” said Republican Rep. James Comer, the chair of the House Oversight Committee, before the deposition began Friday.
Epstein File Case: Hillary Clinton Says She Had No Knowledge of Abuse
On Thursday, Hillary Clinton told lawmakers that she was unaware of Epstein’s abuse of underage girls. She also said she did not remember meeting him.
However, Bill Clinton’s situation is different because his relationship with Epstein and Epstein’s former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell has been documented. Their association dates back to the late 1990s and early 2000s.
In his opening remarks, Clinton said he may not remember every detail from events that happened more than 20 years ago. Still, he made clear that he never witnessed any abuse.
“We are only here because he hid it from everyone so well for so long,” Bill Clinton said in his opening statement. “And by the time it came to light with his 2008 guilty plea, I had long stopped associating with him.”
Epstein File Case: Democrats Say Clinton Cooperated During Questioning
After about two hours of questioning, Democratic lawmakers said that Clinton answered all questions and did not invoke his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.
Republicans, however, said the public deserved answers under oath. “No one’s accusing anyone of any wrongdoing, but I think the American people have a lot of questions,” Comer said.
Epstein File Case: Republicans Press for Answers on Past Ties
Republicans have sought for years to question Clinton about his connection to Epstein. Interest intensified after Epstein’s 2019 suicide while he faced sex trafficking charges.
Late last year, the Department of Justice released case files that included photos of Bill Clinton. In one image, he was seated on a plane with a woman whose face was redacted, with his arm around her. Another photo showed Clinton and Maxwell in a pool with a third person whose identity was hidden.
Records also show that Epstein visited the White House several times during Clinton’s presidency. The two later traveled internationally together for humanitarian work. Comer said the committee gathered evidence that Epstein visited the White House 17 times and that Clinton flew on Epstein’s plane 27 times.
Democratic lawmakers said they also asked tough questions about these ties.
Epstein File Case: Dispute Over Hillary Clinton’s Appearance
Comer stated that Hillary Clinton had referred certain questions about Epstein to her husband. Bill Clinton criticized the decision to call his wife before the committee.
He told Comer that “including her was simply not right.” The committee plans to release the transcript and video of her testimony soon.
Epstein File Case: Debate Over Whether a Precedent Has Been Set
Some Democrats argue that compelling Bill Clinton to testify sets a standard that should also apply to President Donald Trump, who had his own past interactions with Epstein.
“I think that President Trump needs to man up, get in front of this committee and answer the questions and stop calling this investigation a hoax,” said Rep. Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the committee, on Friday.
Comer disagreed, saying Trump has already answered media questions about Epstein.
Trump expressed sympathy for Clinton’s situation. “I like Bill Clinton, and I don’t like seeing him deposed,” he told reporters as he departed the White House en route to Corpus Christi, Texas.
Epstein File Case: Calls for Scrutiny of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick
Democrats are also asking for the resignation of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Lutnick once lived near Epstein in New York City. On a podcast, Lutnick said he cut ties with Epstein after visiting his home in 2005, which he described as disturbing for him and his wife.
However, recently released case files show that Lutnick attended an event at Epstein’s home in 2011. In 2012, his family also had lunch with Epstein on his private island.
Republican Rep. Nancy Mace questioned Hillary Clinton about Lutnick during Thursday’s deposition. On Friday, Mace joined Democrats in suggesting Lutnick should appear before the committee.
“I believe we will have the votes to subpoena him,” Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna said. This deposition has reopened debate about accountability among powerful figures connected to Epstein. While no charges have been filed against Bill Clinton, lawmakers from both parties continue to press for transparency and answers.
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