Clintons Agree to Testify in Epstein Congressional Probe
Former US President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have agreed to give testimony in a congressional investigation. The probe focuses on the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The decision follows months of resistance and rising political pressure.
The move comes just days before a planned vote. Lawmakers were set to decide whether to hold the Clintons in criminal contempt. The House Oversight Committee had accused them of refusing to cooperate.
Bill Clinton knew Epstein socially but has denied any involvement in his crimes. He has said he ended contact more than 20 years ago. Epstein died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial.
Congress pushes for recorded depositions
The House Oversight Committee has requested filmed and transcribed depositions. In addition, the committee proposed holding them in February without a time limit. Lawmakers set a Tuesday deadline for the Clintons to accept the terms.
This testimony would mark a rare moment in US history. It would be the first time a former president testifies before Congress since Gerald Ford in 1983. As a result, the case has drawn strong public attention.
The Clintons had previously declined to appear. They argued they already provided sworn written statements. According to their lawyers, those statements reflected all the information they had about Epstein.
They also criticized the subpoenas. The couple described them as politically motivated and designed to cause embarrassment. Republicans lead the Oversight Committee, although some Democrats supported the contempt measure.
Last-minute deal avoids contempt vote
Over the weekend, lawyers for the Clintons offered limited cooperation. The proposal included a four-hour interview with Bill Clinton. However, Committee Chair James Comer raised concerns.
Comer said the former president might avoid direct answers. He also warned that time limits could reduce accountability. Despite those concerns, the agreement now pauses the contempt process.
The Clinton Epstein testimony could shed light on powerful figures linked to Epstein. Lawmakers say the investigation aims to improve transparency. Public trust remains central to the committee’s work.
