Bill Clinton Tells House Panel He ‘Saw Nothing’ Suspicious in Epstein Ties

Former US president Bill Clinton told lawmakers that he “saw nothing that gave me pause” during his association with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, as he testified behind closed doors before the House Oversight Committee.

 

Clinton’s appearance marked the first time a current or former US president has been compelled to testify before Congress. The session forms part of a broader congressional inquiry into Epstein’s network and connections.

 

Republican committee chairman James Comer described the proceedings as cordial, saying Clinton was cooperative. “He’s a charming individual, obviously,” Comer said. However, he rejected Democratic calls to subpoena President Donald Trump, insisting that was “not going to happen”.

 

Both Clinton and Trump had social ties with Epstein prior to his 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. Neither has been accused by authorities of criminal wrongdoing in connection with Epstein, and both have repeatedly denied witnessing any sex trafficking.

 

In his testimony, Clinton said he would not have travelled on Epstein’s private aircraft had he known of alleged sex trafficking involving underage girls, and would have reported any such conduct.

 

“We are only here because he hid it from everyone so well for so long,” Clinton said, speaking near his home in Chappaqua, New York. He added: “I saw nothing, and I did nothing wrong.”

 

Justice Department records released in recent months include photographs of Clinton with unidentified women whose faces are redacted. Clinton flew on Epstein’s plane several times in the early 2000s after leaving office.

 

The committee also heard from former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who testified for seven hours on Thursday. She said she did not recall ever meeting Epstein and had no information about his crimes. Comer said some of her answers would be reviewed for potential inconsistencies, including possible perjury.

 

Comer did not rule out subpoenaing Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who reportedly visited Epstein’s Caribbean island after the financier’s 2008 conviction.

 

Democrats argue the investigation lacks credibility without examining Trump’s relationship with Epstein. Representative James Walkinshaw said Clinton’s testimony under oath underscored what he called a “Donald Trump-sized gaping hole” in the inquiry.

 

Democratic lawmakers have also accused Trump’s Justice Department of withholding records relating to an allegation that he sexually abused a minor — claims the department says it is reviewing, warning that the material includes unfounded accusations.

 

Trump, whose name appears frequently in Epstein-related files, has said he severed ties with the financier before the 2008 conviction. Speaking at the White House, he expressed sympathy for Clinton. “I don’t like seeing him deposed,” Trump said. “But they certainly went after me more than that.”

 

The Clintons agreed to testify near their home after the House threatened contempt proceedings for non-cooperation. They have accused Republicans of conducting a partisan investigation aimed at shielding Trump, noting that other witnesses were allowed to submit written statements instead of appearing in person.

 

Epstein died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges. His death was ruled a suicide.

 

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