Hillary Clinton tells lawmakers she knew nothing of Epstein’s crimes, asks panel to question Trump

Hillary Clinton

• Hillary Clinton denied knowledge of Epstein's crimes
• She urged the committee to seek testimony from Donald Trump
• Clinton called the inquiry politically motivated and unhelpful

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Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told members of the Republican-led House Oversight Committee that she had no knowledge of the criminal activities of Jeffrey Epstein, while also calling on investigators to seek testimony from President Donald Trump.

Appearing in a closed-door deposition on Thursday, Clinton maintained that she had never knowingly crossed paths with Epstein or his associate Ghislaine Maxwell.

“As I stated in my sworn declaration on January 13, I had no idea about their criminal activities. I do not recall ever encountering Mr. Epstein. I never flew on his plane or visited his island, homes or offices. I have nothing to add to that,” she said in her opening remarks.

Her testimony comes amid a broader congressional review of documents connected to Epstein, the financier and convicted sex offender who died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal trafficking charges.

Maxwell was later found guilty for her role in facilitating abuse of underage girls. Lawmakers have emphasised that appearing in records tied to Epstein does not imply wrongdoing.

Clinton also took aim at the committee’s motivations, suggesting her appearance was unnecessary. “You have compelled me to testify, fully aware that I have no knowledge that would assist your investigation, in order to distract attention from President Trump's actions and to cover them up despite legitimate calls for answers,” she said.

In a pointed remark, she urged investigators to focus their attention elsewhere, stating that they should ask Trump “directly under oath about the tens of thousands of times he shows up in the Epstein files.”

Trump, who once had a social relationship with Epstein, has not been charged with any offenses linked to the case.

The deposition is part of a wider inquiry led by House Republicans into individuals and materials associated with Epstein. Clinton argued that the committee’s approach reflected deeper issues, describing it as an “institutional failure” aimed at shielding political interests rather than uncovering facts.

She said the process appeared designed “to protect one political party and one public official, rather than to seek truth and justice for the victims and survivors (of Epstein).”

Her testimony also precedes an expected appearance by former president Bill Clinton, who is scheduled to testify before the same panel.

Like his wife, he has faced scrutiny due to past associations appearing in Epstein-related records, though no charges have been brought against him in connection with the case.

Throughout her remarks, Clinton reiterated that she had no relevant information to offer investigators and denied any personal involvement with Epstein or his network. At the same time, she framed her testimony as part of a political effort to shift attention away from others.

The committee has not publicly detailed what specific lines of questioning were pursued during the closed session. However, Clinton’s statement made clear her position that the inquiry should expand to include testimony from Trump, whom she suggested holds more relevant information for lawmakers examining Epstein’s connections.

The broader investigation continues as lawmakers review documents and testimony tied to Epstein’s activities, with attention focused on determining what information can aid accountability efforts for victims.