Clintons Advocate for Public Hearing in Epstein Probe

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has reaffirmed her and former President Bill Clinton’s commitment to advocating for a public hearing amidst the House Oversight Committee’s investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Despite their agreement to undergo a closed-door deposition, they are pushing for transparency in the proceedings.

Hillary Clinton expressed her concerns on the social media platform X, highlighting their engagement with Republicans on the committee by stating, “For six months, we engaged Republicans on the Oversight Committee in good faith. We told them what we know, under oath. They ignored all of it. They moved the goalposts and turned accountability into an exercise in distraction.” She continued, urging for openness in the investigation: “So let’s stop the games. If you want this fight, [Rep. James Comer], let’s have it—in public. You love to talk about transparency. There’s nothing more transparent than a public hearing, cameras on. We will be there.”

Recently, the Clintons consented to closed depositions following the threat of contempt of Congress by the GOP-led House Oversight Committee for their non-compliance with subpoenas concerning Epstein. Committee chairman, Rep. James Comer, has scheduled Hillary Clinton’s testimony for February 26, with Bill Clinton’s deposition to follow on February 27. The Clintons previously contended that the subpoenas lacked legal justification. Comer, however, insisted that the Clintons must comply, stating that they are not above the law.

In a letter to Comer, the Clintons’ attorney, Jon Skladany, advocated for an open hearing, emphasizing fairness and the requirement for the interviews to be videotaped. The decision between an open hearing or deposition remains with Comer, who indicated that while the subpoenas dictated closed-door depositions, a public hearing could follow if the Clintons desire.

Comer explained on Newsmax that the depositions will be audiotaped, videotaped, and transcripts will be released to the public. He noted that “Depositions are always the preferred means of getting information from a witness. If you look at history, congressional hearings, they may be entertaining, but they’re not very substantive … So, we’re going to do the depositions. That’s what the subpoena is for.” After the depositions, the Clintons will have the opportunity to participate in a public hearing should they wish.

It is important to note that neither Bill nor Hillary Clinton has been accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein, and they deny any knowledge of his criminal activities. Furthermore, no allegations of misconduct or inappropriate behavior have been made by Epstein survivors or associates involving the Clintons.

In a related remark, former President Donald Trump spoke to NBC News, expressing his sentiment that it’s a “shame” that the Clintons are being summoned for depositions, acknowledging his personal fondness for Bill Clinton.