Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton appeared before the House Oversight Committee on February 26, 2026, for more than six hours of closed-door testimony as part of the committee’s investigation into the federal government’s handling of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes.
Clinton had initially resisted the subpoena, but agreed to testify after the
committee moved toward contempt proceedings. The House panel had subpoenaed both Clinton and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, as part of its bipartisan investigation into Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.
In her opening statement, Clinton said she had no information that would assist investigators regarding Epstein’s criminal activities. She said she did not recall ever meeting Epstein and denied flying on his plane or visiting his island, homes or offices. She also criticized the committee’s decision to question her, arguing that investigators should focus on individuals with direct knowledge of Epstein’s activities and the government’s handling of the case.
Clinton characterized the proceeding as political theater and questioned why the committee had not publicly questioned other individuals whose names have appeared more prominently in records connected to Epstein. She also argued that investigators should pursue the full release of relevant records while protecting victims and sensitive information.
Committee Chairman James Comer, a Republican from Kentucky, defended the investigation and
said lawmakers were seeking answers about Epstein’s network and the government’s previous investigations. Comer later said some of Clinton’s answers did not satisfy committee members, although the investigation would continue.
Neither Hillary Clinton nor Bill Clinton has been accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein’s sex-trafficking crimes. Bill Clinton has acknowledged having had a professional relationship with Epstein and also testified separately before the committee.
The House Oversight Committee subsequently released video and transcripts of the depositions. The investigation remains focused on Epstein’s criminal activities, the government’s handling of previous investigations, and questions surrounding the broader network of people associated with him.
