Hillary Clinton sat for a deposition with the House Oversight Committee in Chappaqua, New York, on Thursday as part of an investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's network. The Hillary Clinton Epstein deposition drew sharp attention, with Clinton denying any knowledge of Epstein or Ghislaine Maxwell's crimes. Lawmakers questioned her on government handling of Epstein probes and ties to powerful figures. Bill Clinton faces his own session Friday. This comes amid other Trump-related developments like U.S.-Iran nuclear talks.
Key Takeaways
- Hillary Clinton stated she had "no idea" about Epstein or Maxwell's crimes and never met Epstein or visited his properties.
- The deposition paused after a leaked photo shared by Rep. Lauren Boebert, violating House rules.
- House Oversight Chair James Comer seeks details on Epstein's wealth, connections, and possible government asset status.
- Democrats call the probe a political move, while Republicans say it's about due process and facts.
Background
The House Oversight Committee subpoenaed Hillary and Bill Clinton to dig into Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking network. Epstein died in jail in 2019 while facing charges. Ghislaine Maxwell sits in prison now on related convictions. Republicans lead the panel under Chair James Comer. They want to know how Epstein built his fortune. And how he linked up with influential people. Did he work as some kind of government asset? Those questions drive the hearings.
Clinton agreed to testify behind closed doors. This dodged a contempt vote in the House. The spot is the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center. That's near the Clintons' home. Bill Clinton admitted flying on Epstein's plane a few times. But he says he never went to Epstein's island. Hillary says she met Maxwell a handful of times through their foundation. No crimes involved, she insists. The committee focuses on federal probes into Epstein. That started way back in Florida. Long after Bill left the White House.
Democrats push back hard. They see this as a fishing trip. Rep. Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the panel, says Clinton cooperated fully. But Comer holds firm. He told reporters no one's accusing the Clintons of crimes right now. Just asking questions under oath. Transcripts and video come out later. After review.
And there's more in the Trump news cycle. U.S. and Iran kicked off nuclear talks in Geneva. That's a big step after years of tension. Details stay thin so far. But eyes watch close. A Mamdani meeting popped up too. That's State Department talks with Afghan figures. Trump live updates mix all this. From Epstein probes to global diplomacy.
Check our coverage on US-Iran nuclear talks in Geneva for the latest there. And see how Trump's affordability claims stack up in recent speeches.
Key Details
Clinton opened strong. She read her statement. Clear words. No wiggle room.
"The Committee justified its subpoena to me based on its assumption that I have information regarding the investigations into the criminal activities of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Let me be as clear as I can. I do not."
– Hillary Clinton, opening statement
She swore this back in January. No personal knowledge. Never flew on his plane. No island visits. No homes or offices. Nothing to add.
Then trouble hit. Right-wing commentator Benny Johnson posted a photo from inside. He said Rep. Lauren Boebert shared it. That's a House rules breach. The session paused. Advisers confirmed it. Boebert from Colorado faces heat now.
Comer spoke before it started. News conference. Short and direct. "We're going to have due process," he said. Questions pile up. Epstein's money sources. Powerful friends. Asset status? Thursday runs long. Friday with Bill? Even longer.
Deposition Terms and Focus
Terms got set ahead. No Benghazi talk. Skip the email server stuff. That's old Republican hits from 2016. Focus stays on Epstein and Maxwell. How they used connections. Clintons included. To dodge accountability. Government fumbles too. Florida case mishandled early on.
Democrats walked out mid-session. Told reporters. No new info. Clinton answers everything. In good faith. Garcia demands full transcript. Drop it in 24 hours. Unedited. Comer plans public hearing later. Maybe.
Rep. James Walkinshaw called it a fever dream. Zero evidence on Clinton. Political stunt, he says. But Comer pushes. Testimony critical. Understands the network. Influence peddling. Shield from eyes.
Broader Trump updates weave in. Iran talks open doors. Maybe. Mamdani meeting eyes Afghanistan stability. All under one news roof today.
What This Means
Victims wait for answers. Epstein case drags on. Powerful names surface. Committee eyes ethics slips by officials. Could spark more subpoenas. Trump dodges one for now. He talks to press plenty. Not under oath though. Democrats eye that angle. Might call him later.
Public hearing looms. Transcripts drop soon. Could shift views. Or fuel fights. Republicans gain ground if anything sticks. Democrats cry distraction. From Trump's moves. Real calls for his accountability, they say.
Iran nuclear push tests diplomacy. Success eases tensions. Failure ramps them. Mamdani talks touch old wounds. Afghanistan fallout lingers.
Clinton testimony sets tone. Denials firm. Questions persist. Probe rolls on. Two days. More to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is Hillary Clinton testifying about Epstein?
A: The House Oversight Committee subpoenaed her to learn about Epstein's network, government probes, and ties to powerful people. She denies any knowledge of crimes.
Q: What happened with the leaked photo?
A: A commentator posted a photo from the deposition room, shared by Rep. Boebert. It broke House rules, pausing the session briefly.
Q: When does Bill Clinton testify?
A: His deposition is set for Friday, expected to run even longer than Hillary's.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Hillary Clinton testifying about Epstein?
The House Oversight Committee subpoenaed her to learn about Epstein’s network, government probes, and ties to powerful people. She denies any knowledge of crimes.
What happened with the leaked photo?
A commentator posted a photo from the deposition room, shared by Rep. Boebert. It broke House rules, pausing the session briefly.
When does Bill Clinton testify?
His deposition is set for Friday, expected to run even longer than Hillary’s.
