Ask Onix
Clinton testifies before congressional panel
Former U.S. President Bill Clinton told lawmakers he had no knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein's crimes and insisted he did nothing improper, during a private deposition in New York on Friday.
Key statements from the hearing
Clinton stated he would have severed ties with Epstein and reported him to authorities if he had known about the financier's illegal activities. "I would have turned him in myself," he said in a prepared statement released before his testimony.
When asked about a photograph showing him in a hot tub with an unidentified woman, Clinton said he did not recognize her and denied any sexual involvement, according to a source familiar with the proceedings.
Clintons' resistance and cooperation
Both Bill and Hillary Clinton initially resisted congressional subpoenas, calling them politically motivated. They ultimately agreed to testify as the House Oversight Committee threatened contempt proceedings.
Hillary Clinton testified the previous day, also denying any awareness of Epstein's crimes. Neither has been accused of misconduct by Epstein's survivors.
Committee's response
Republican Chairman James Comer described Clinton's deposition as "very productive," noting the former president answered all questions. Comer said video and a full transcript would be released in the coming days.
"This is a serious investigation. We will continue to try and get the truth to the American people and justice to the victims."
James Comer, House Oversight Committee Chairman
Trump's connection surfaces
Democrats on the committee said Clinton's testimony included "additional information" about former President Donald Trump's relationship with Epstein, renewing calls for Trump to testify.
When asked whether Trump should appear before the panel, Clinton reportedly replied, "That's for you to decide." Comer later stated Clinton provided no evidence implicating Trump in Epstein's crimes.
Clinton's past ties to Epstein
Clinton acknowledged limited contact with Epstein, primarily through post-presidency charitable work, and expressed regret over the association. He said he cut ties with Epstein two decades ago.
The former president's name appears frequently in recently released Epstein files, though such appearances do not indicate wrongdoing. The documents reveal Epstein's extensive connections with high-profile figures, even after his 2008 conviction for a sex crime.
Historical context
Clinton is the seventh sitting or former U.S. president to testify before Congress. The last was Gerald Ford in 1974, who voluntarily explained his pardon of Richard Nixon.
Congressional depositions are typically private, but the Clintons had pushed for public testimony to prevent selective leaks.
