The gradual release of the Epstein files has drawn major political figures into an increasingly intense national conversation.
Hillary Clinton recently spent six hours under oath before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee as part of the U.S. Congress’s widening investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. Before the session began, she made her position public — and her opening remarks quickly fueled online reactions.
Under Oath and Under Fire as She Denies Any Ties
Although the closed-door deposition was not aired live, Hillary shared her opening statement on X ahead of her appearance before committee members.
She argued that the committee subpoenaed her based on the assumption that she had information relevant to the investigation into the criminal activities of convicted sex offenders Jeffrey and Ghislaine Maxwell.
Hillary said that assumption was incorrect, stating, “Let me be as clear as I can. I do not.” The 78-year-old reiterated what she had previously said in a sworn declaration on January 13, noting that she did not know about their criminal investigations.
“I do not recall ever encountering Mr. Epstein. I never flew on his plane or visited his island, homes, or offices. I have nothing to add to that,” she declared.
Hillary added that, like many people, she was horrified by what she later learned about Jeffrey and Ghislaine’s crimes. She described it as “unfathomable” that Jeffrey received what she characterized as a slap on the wrist in 2008, saying it allowed him to continue predatory behavior for another decade.
As she wrapped up, Hillary also referred to the subpoena as a fishing expedition, accusing the committee of failing to do its job.
Turning her attention to President Donald Trump, she said, “If this committee is serious about learning the truth about Epstein’s trafficking crimes, it would not rely on press gaggles to get answers from our current president on his involvement; it would ask him directly under oath about the tens and thousands of times he shows up in the Epstein files.”
Shining the Spotlight on Victims and Accountability
Hillary, who spoke about spending her life advocating for women and girls, urged the committee to treat the matter with seriousness and conduct thorough oversight.
She said she has worked throughout her career to combat abuses faced by women and girls, including trafficking, forced labor, and sexual slavery. “If you are new to this issue, let me tell you: Jeffrey Epstein was a heinous individual, but he’s far from alone,” she warned.
In closing, Hillary said Jeffrey’s victims — along with millions of others affected by sex trafficking — deserve justice. She added that this can only be achieved if there are no cover-ups, no holding back, and no protection for individuals.
After the deposition concluded, Hillary briefly addressed reporters outside. She again denied any association with Jeffrey and clarified that her only connection to Ghislaine was as an acquaintance.
She also said she was disappointed that the testimony was not made public, noting that a public session would have spared her from having to characterize it herself.
Hillary then addressed the length of the proceedings. She explained that because both sides had agreed to a closed-door hearing, the session had to pause when that agreement was broken. The deposition resumed only after an understanding was reached. It later emerged that the interruption followed a leaked photograph of Hillary.
Social Media Erupts with Doubt and Conspiracy Theories
Netizens took to social media to share their views after Hillary spoke. Comments included questions about why the hearing wasn’t televised, why Bill Clinton wasn’t the one speaking, and even conspiracy claims about her appearance.
Subpoena Showdown and a Months-Long Legal Standoff
Before this deposition, Hillary and Bill Clinton had pushed back against the panel’s subpoena, maintaining that it was politically motivated.
In January, the committee’s Republican Leader, Representative James R. Comer of Kentucky, set deadlines for them to appear. They submitted an eight-page legal letter arguing the subpoenas were invalid and unenforceable. They were prepared to challenge it as long as necessary.
They had already provided sworn statements. James eventually held a deposition session (with an empty chair for Bill). He noted Jeffrey Epstein had visited the White House 17 times during Bill Clinton’s presidency but emphasized no accusations of wrongdoing against Bill.
The standoff continued until threats of contempt of Congress proceedings, after which they agreed to testify. Bill Clinton is scheduled for his deposition on February 27, 2026.
Allies Push Back as Details Surface
Bill’s former deputy chief of staff, Angel Ureña, also spoke out after document releases, criticizing the timing and defending Bill as someone who distanced himself before the allegations surfaced.
While Hillary and Bill Clinton’s position has remained unchanged, attention now shifts to Bill’s upcoming deposition and what new details may emerge.