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Clintons agree to testify in Epstein investigation
Hillary and Bill Clinton will appear before a U.S. House committee examining the crimes of late financier Jeffrey Epstein, ending months of resistance to congressional subpoenas.
Shift in stance avoids contempt proceedings
The former secretary of state and her husband, a former U.S. president, had long dismissed the panel's demands as politically driven. Their decision to comply came as lawmakers prepared to hold a contempt vote against them.
A spokesperson for Bill Clinton said the couple would participate to "set a precedent that applies to everyone."
Hillary Clinton denies Epstein encounters
In a BBC interview last week, Hillary Clinton stated she had no memory of meeting or speaking with Epstein. She acknowledged brief interactions with his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, including at their daughter Chelsea's 2010 wedding.
She described the investigation as a Republican tactic to distract from former President Donald Trump's ties to Epstein, calling for full transparency: "We have nothing to hide. We think sunlight is the best disinfectant."
Bill Clinton's past association under scrutiny
Bill Clinton has denied any wrongdoing or knowledge of Epstein's crimes, stating he severed ties with the financier two decades ago. Recently released Justice Department files include references to Clinton, though appearing in the documents does not imply misconduct.
His testimony on Friday will mark the first time a former U.S. president has appeared before Congress since Gerald Ford in 1983.
Depositions to proceed in private, with public statements
The hearings will take place in Chappaqua, New York, near the Clintons' home. While typically closed-door, the couple pushed for public testimony to prevent selective leaks.
Committee members from both parties are expected to address reporters after Hillary Clinton's deposition at 11:00 EST (16:00 GMT).
Committee's bipartisan claims
Republican Chair James Comer framed the depositions as a demonstration that "no one is above the law." The Clintons, however, accused Comer of partisan motives, alleging the probe was orchestrated by Trump to target political opponents.
"This is nothing more than a ploy to embarrass rivals, as President Trump has directed."
Clinton spokesperson
