Hillary Clinton Tells House ‘I Do Not Recall Ever Encountering’ Jeffrey Epstein

Twice-defeated Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton used her sworn testimony Thursday before the GOP-led House Oversight Committee to accuse Republicans of orchestrating a political diversion aimed at shielding scrutiny of President Donald J. Trump during the panel’s ongoing investigation into disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

In prepared opening remarks submitted ahead of the high-profile deposition, Clinton framed the committee’s inquiry as misplaced and politically motivated.

“A committee endeavoring to stop human trafficking would seek to understand what specific steps are needed to fix a system that allowed Epstein to get away with his crimes in 2008,” she is telling the panel, according to her opening remarks.

“But that’s not happening. Instead, 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 added.

Clinton reiterated prior denials of any knowledge of Epstein’s criminal conduct.

“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,” her remarks state.

She also condemned Epstein’s crimes and the justice system’s earlier handling of his case.

“Like every decent person, I have been horrified by what we have learned about their crimes. It’s unfathomable that Mr. Epstein initially got a slap on the wrist in 2008, which allowed him to continue his predatory practices for another decade.”

The deposition, held in Chappaqua, New York — the Clintons’ longtime hometown — marks a significant escalation in the House Oversight Committee’s probe. The two-day proceeding includes testimony from both Clinton and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, who is scheduled to appear the following day.

Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., emphasized that the inquiry is not a presumption of guilt.

“No one’s accusing, at this moment, the Clintons of any wrongdoing. They’re going to have due process,” Comer told reporters shortly before it began. “But we have a lot of questions, and the purpose of the whole investigation is to try to understand many things about Epstein.”

“Today will be a long deposition, I would assume, and tomorrow will be an even longer deposition,” Comer said.

Lawmakers from both parties, along with committee staff, traveled to New York after an agreement between the panel and attorneys for the former first couple allowed for in-person questioning.

Among those slated to question Clinton is Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., who has been outspoken in pushing for greater transparency surrounding Epstein-related documents. Mace previously joined a small group of House Republicans in securing a vote aimed at compelling the Department of Justice to release additional Epstein files, despite resistance from GOP leadership.

Mace, who is currently running for governor of South Carolina, told reporters she intends to ask Clinton about a range of individuals linked to Epstein, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.

Comer also confirmed that Clinton would face questions regarding her relationship with Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s longtime associate who is now serving a prison sentence. Maxwell notably attended Chelsea Clinton’s 2010 wedding, which took place after initial allegations against Epstein had already surfaced.

Additionally, investigators are expected to examine Epstein and Maxwell’s reported connections to the Clinton Foundation.

“Again, we’re not accusing Hillary Clinton of wrongdoing. We know that Jeffrey Epstein said many times in emails that he was the first person to raise money for the Clinton initiative, the Clinton Foundation, that he solicited money at some of his properties for the Clinton Foundation,” Comer said.

“Again, that’s not saying anything illegal, but there are a lot of questions pertaining to Secretary Clinton with respect to Epstein and his involvement in the Clinton initiative and her relationship with with Ghislaine Maxwell.”

For her part, Clinton accused the committee majority of conducting what she described as a baseless search for political ammunition.

“If this committee is serious about learning the truth about Epstein’s trafficking crimes, it would not rely on press giggles to get answers from our current president on his involvement. It would ask him directly, under oath, about the tens of thousands of times who showed up in the Epstein files. If the majority was serious, it would not waste time on fishing expeditions. There is too much that needs to be done,” her remarks said.

To date, no formal allegations of criminal wrongdoing related to Epstein have been brought against either the Clintons or President Trump. However, the so-called “Epstein files” reference numerous prominent figures across political, business, and cultural spheres — including philanthropist Bill Gates and businessman Leslie Wexner — underscoring the breadth of Epstein’s elite social network.

As the Oversight Committee presses forward, Republicans argue the American people deserve transparency and accountability, particularly in cases involving powerful individuals and potential institutional failures. Democrats, meanwhile, have characterized the investigation as politically charged.

What remains certain is that the public scrutiny surrounding Epstein’s web of associations is far from over — and neither party appears eager to let the issue fade quietly.