Hillary Clinton calls for Trump to testify at US House Epstein hearing
Al Jazeera
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Hillary Clinton has sharply criticized a Republican-led House panel investigating ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, accusing lawmakers of prioritizing political allies over justice. She claimed the investigation was being mishandled to divert attention from President Donald Trump’s potential involvement in the case. Clinton, who was subpoenaed to testify but maintains she has no relevant information, argued that the panel should instead directly question Trump about his numerous connections to Epstein, as revealed in government files.
Clinton’s statement criticized the closed-door nature of the hearings and questioned why other subpoenaed individuals were allowed to provide written answers. She also highlighted the broader implications of the investigation, suggesting it could expose a cover-up at the highest levels of government. The former secretary of state emphasized the importance of holding powerful individuals accountable, particularly those who may have enabled Epstein’s crimes.
The controversy comes amid growing scrutiny of Epstein’s connections to influential figures in politics, academia, and business, including both Bill and Hillary Clinton, as well as Donald Trump. Epstein, a wealthy financier, was convicted in 2008 of soliciting minors for prostitution but served only part of his sentence under a controversial plea deal. He died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges.
The investigation has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over transparency and accountability in US politics. Critics argue that the Trump administration failed to fully disclose all investigative files related to Epstein, raising concerns about whether political motivations are overshadowing the pursuit of justice for Epstein’s victims. Clinton’s call for Trump to testify directly underscores the need for a more thorough and impartial inquiry.
This issue matters globally as it highlights broader questions about trust in leadership and the integrity of
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/26/2026