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On Thursday, February 26, 2026, former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton appeared before the House Oversight Committee for a closed-door deposition in the ongoing congressional investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his cohort Ghislaine Maxwell.
This testimony marks a significant moment in a prolonged political and legal showdown that has gripped Capitol Hill for months. It is the first of two depositions involving the Clintons — Hillary testifying today, followed by former President Bill Clinton tomorrow — and represents a rare moment in which a former Secretary of State is interrogated under oath by congressional investigators.
The deposition has already triggered intense political debate, widespread media coverage, and speculation about what Congress hopes to learn from the Democratic power couple about their past interactions with Epstein and Maxwell.
Why Is Hillary Clinton Testifying?
The House Oversight Committee, led by Republicans, has been conducting an expansive review of Jeffrey Epstein’s network, his connections to influential figures, and why prior federal investigations did not produce more extensive charges.
Epstein died by suicide in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges, but his clandestine connections to politicians, business leaders, and celebrities have continued to draw attention and controversy. The committee has sought to understand:
Connections between Epstein, Maxwell, and political figures
How earlier investigations were handled by law enforcement and senior government officials
Why the Department of Justice failed to pursue further charges despite mounting evidence
Hillary Clinton’s testimony stems from these broad investigative goals, alongside scrutiny over her husband’s past interactions with Epstein, including documented flights on his private plane for foundation work.
What Happened Today?
Clinton’s deposition took place behind closed doors near the Clintons’ home in Chappaqua, New York, after months of negotiation between her attorneys and congressional leaders.
Key details from the session include:
Limited new revelations: Clinton reportedly testified that she has no personal knowledge of Epstein’s crimes and does not recall meeting him, directly or in a context relevant to criminal activity.
Denial of wrongdoing: She denied any involvement with Epstein’s illegal conduct, echoing statements she made previously in an affidavit to the committee.
Focus on transparency: Clinton and her allies have argued for public hearings instead of closed-door testimony, stressing that transparency is essential for credibility and public trust.
Despite the closed nature of the deposition, transcripts and video recordings are expected to be made public at a later date under the committee’s rules.
What Has Clinton Said Publicly?
In the lead-up to her testimony, Hillary Clinton made several public remarks, including a high-profile media interview where she acknowledged meeting Ghislaine Maxwell on a few occasions at events affiliated with the Clinton Foundation but maintained she never had personal knowledge of Epstein’s crimes.
She and her legal team also submitted sworn declarations asserting that neither she nor Bill Clinton have meaningful, relevant information to provide that would significantly advance the committee’s probe.
Bill Clinton’s Role Tomorrow
Once Hillary’s deposition concludes, attention will turn to Bill Clinton, who is scheduled to testify before the same committee on Friday. This will be a historic moment, as it marks the first time a former U.S. President has been compelled to testify to a congressional committee in decades.
Bill Clinton’s testimony is expected to cover:
His known encounters with Epstein prior to Epstein’s criminal convictions
His travel on Epstein’s private jet for charitable trips
Any connections, direct or indirect, he may have had with Epstein’s broader social circle
Political Controversy and Criticism
The Clintons’ testimonies have become a political flashpoint. Republicans argue that the depositions are vital to uncovering the truth about Epstein’s network and failings by past administrations. Some specifically want to know why more was not done to prosecute Epstein following his earlier plea deal in 2008.
On the other hand, many Democrats — and some legal analysts — contend the effort is purely partisan, designed to discredit prominent Democratic figures and deflect scrutiny from other political controversies.
Both sides have engaged in public rhetoric that mirrors larger cultural and political divides — from accusations of political weaponization to fears that transparency will be undermined by closed-door proceedings.
What’s Next?
After both Clintons have been deposed, the Oversight Committee is likely to release:
Transcripts of testimony
Recorded footage
Committee findings or follow-up requests for additional documents or witnesses
This may prompt further public and legal scrutiny, and potentially additional hearings as lawmakers seek deeper understanding of Epstein’s contacts with powerful figures and why federal authorities did not act more aggressively in the past.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why was Hillary Clinton summoned to testify in the Epstein probe?
Hillary Clinton was summoned as part of the House Oversight Committee’s broad investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s network, possible influence within political circles, and earlier government responses to allegations against Epstein and Maxwell.
2. Did Hillary Clinton know Jeffrey Epstein?
Clinton testified she does not recall ever meeting Epstein and denied personal knowledge of his criminal conduct. She did acknowledge knowing Maxwell through events affiliated with the Clinton Foundation.
3. Was the deposition public?
No. The testimony took place behind closed doors, though transcripts and recordings are expected to be released later.
4. Is Bill Clinton also testifying?
Yes, Bill Clinton is scheduled to be deposed by the House Oversight Committee on Friday, following Hillary Clinton’s testimony.
5. Has anyone accused the Clintons of wrongdoing?
No credible accusations have been made that either Hillary or Bill Clinton committed crimes in relation to Epstein’s criminal activities. Their testimonies are meant to shed light on historical interactions and institutional responses.
6. What could the committee uncover?
The committee is primarily focused on understanding why certain law enforcement decisions were made, the extent of Epstein’s connections with influential individuals, and whether other key figures may have relevant information about criminal operations or failures in oversight.
📌 Conclusion
Hillary Clinton’s closed-door testimony in the House Oversight Committee’s Jeffrey Epstein probe marks a pivotal moment in one of the most controversial investigations involving political elites in recent years. While she maintains that she has no significant knowledge to impart, the proceedings continue to fuel political debates and public interest in how power, influence, and accountability intersect at the highest levels of American governance.
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