CHAPPAQUA, N.Y. — Former President Bill Clinton testified under subpoena before the House Oversight Committee on Monday as part of its investigation into the activities of the late Jeffrey Epstein, marking the first time a former president has been deposed by a congressional committee. The deposition, held at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center in New York, followed a similar closed-door session with former First Lady and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton the previous day.
The proceedings stem from the committee’s inquiry into Epstein’s connections to powerful individuals, and whether those relationships were leveraged to facilitate his crimes. While neither Clinton is accused of wrongdoing, lawmakers have sought to clarify the extent of their interactions with Epstein. According to committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., Hillary Clinton responded to questions about her knowledge of Epstein by repeatedly stating, “You’ll have to ask my husband,” more than a dozen times.
Bill Clinton, in a statement released through a spokesperson, asserted he had limited contact with Epstein. He stated he did not recall encountering Epstein, nor did he ever fly on Epstein’s private aircraft or visit any of his properties. This statement echoes comments made by Hillary Clinton following her own testimony, where she stated she did not recall encountering Epstein.
The unusual location of the depositions – a local performing arts center rather than a congressional office building – underscored the extraordinary nature of the event. The Clintons have maintained a residence in Chappaqua since leaving the White House in 2001. The choice of venue drew criticism from some lawmakers, including Rep. Yassamin Ansari, D-Ariz., who characterized the proceedings as an “unserious, clown show” focused on photo opportunities.
Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., drew attention by appearing to photograph Hillary Clinton during her deposition and sharing the image with conservative media outlets. The deposition also included questioning about unrelated conspiracy theories, with Hillary Clinton stating she was asked about UFOs and the “Pizzagate” conspiracy theory towards the end of her testimony.
During his own deposition, Clinton reportedly addressed a photograph depicting him with a woman in a jacuzzi, stating he did not recognize the individual. The image has circulated in connection with Epstein-related investigations.
The committee’s inquiry has also touched upon the potential involvement of other high-profile figures. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., speculated that Epstein may have been operating an intelligence-gathering operation, potentially involving a U.S. Intelligence ally, though she offered no supporting evidence.
President Trump, when asked about Bill Clinton’s deposition, expressed some sympathy, stating, “I don’t like seeing him deposed. But they certainly went after me a lot more than that.” He also claimed to be unfamiliar with the Epstein files and asserted he had been “totally exonerated.” Oversight Committee Republicans, including Comer and Mace, echoed Trump’s claim of exoneration, attributing it to statements from Epstein victims.
Democrats on the committee have countered that Trump himself should be compelled to testify. Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., argued that the committee’s actions have established a precedent, and that President Trump, along with his wife, should be subpoenaed to provide testimony under oath. The possibility of seeking testimony from President Trump remains open, with Democrats indicating they would consider such a move if they regain control of the House in the upcoming midterm elections.
The proceedings in Chappaqua raise significant questions about the scope of congressional authority and the potential for future depositions of former presidents. The separation of powers doctrine has historically limited congressional access to former presidents, and this case may set a new standard for such inquiries.
