Former U.S. First Lady and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton testified under subpoena in a closed-door congressional hearing Thursday as part of a Republican-led investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, calling the inquiry “partisan political theatre.”
The unprecedented hearing also places former President Bill Clinton under scrutiny, with his testimony scheduled for Friday. The probe seeks to examine Epstein’s network of influence, the origins of his wealth, and any potential foreign ties.
In her sworn opening statement, Hillary Clinton said she never met Epstein and had no knowledge of his or Ghislaine Maxwell’s crimes.
“I had no idea about their criminal activities,” Clinton testified. “I do not recall ever encountering Mr. Epstein. I never flew on his plane or visited his island homes or offices.”
Democratic lawmakers defended Clinton, with Rep. James Wilkenshaw of Virginia stating there was “zero, zip, zilch, nada” to suggest she had any awareness of Epstein’s activities. He accused Republicans of using the hearing to revive long-running political attacks against her.
Republican House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer said Clinton’s testimony was necessary to understand Epstein’s relationships and financial networks. Comer noted that Maxwell attended Chelsea Clinton’s wedding and that Epstein had previously claimed he helped raise early funds for the Clinton Initiative and the Clinton Foundation.
“We are not accusing Hillary Clinton of wrongdoing,” Comer said. “But we need to understand how Epstein built his connections and influence.”
Clinton pushed back forcefully, saying the investigation was designed to divert attention from U.S. President Donald Trump and shield him from growing calls for accountability over his own past associations.
The hearing was briefly disrupted after a photograph of Clinton appeared on social media, violating closed-door rules. Conservative blogger Benny Johnson claimed the image was provided by Rep. Lauren Boebert, who was present in the room. The incident sparked sharp objections from Democrats.
Democratic lawmakers are now demanding that a full, unedited transcript of Clinton’s testimony be released within 24 hours. Rep. Yassamin Ansari described the session as “an incredibly unserious clown show,” saying it produced no new information.
Attention now shifts to Bill Clinton’s scheduled testimony. The former president has acknowledged flying on Epstein’s private jet and had social and charitable ties through the Clinton Foundation. Archived files reportedly include photographs of Clinton with Maxwell and other high-profile figures.
