US lawmakers grill Hillary Clinton in Epstein probe
Deutsche Welle
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Hillary Clinton testified before the House Oversight Committee that she had no knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein's criminal activities and did not recall ever meeting him. The closed-door testimony, conducted at her home in Chappaqua, New York, came as part of a broader investigation into Epstein's alleged role in human trafficking. While Clinton emphasized that she had no new information about Epstein or his co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell, the hearing highlighted the ongoing efforts by Republicans to examine the Clintons' connections to Epstein, who served time for sex crimes involving minors.
House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer announced that video and transcripts of the deposition would be released after approval. The testimony also drew attention to Bill Clinton's upcoming deposition, as he is scheduled to appear on Friday. While Bill Clinton has denied any wrongdoing and expressed regret for his past associations with Epstein, including documented friendships and airplane rides in the early 2000s, critics argue that the inquiry underscores the need for transparency regarding the Clintons' ties to Epstein.
The investigation, which began after the Clintons initially refused to testify but later complied when faced with contempt of Congress charges, has significant political stakes. Democrats have supported the probe, calling for accountability despite their party's historical ties to both Clintons and Epstein. Meanwhile, some lawmakers are pushing for former President Donald Trump to testify, given his extensive documented interactions with Epstein in the 1990s and 2000s.
The release of over three million pages of documents under the Epstein Files Transparency Act has shed light on Epstein's associates, including undated photos of Bill Clinton with Epstein and Maxwell. As the inquiry continues, it raises important questions about accountability, transparency, and justice for Epstein's victims. The testimony highlights the enduring impact of Epstein's crimes and the ongoing efforts to uncover the truth about those who may have enabled him.
This probe matters because it seeks to address unanswered questions about Epstein's network of influence and potential complicity by high-ranking individuals. By holding public figures accountable and ensuring transparency, the investigation aims to restore trust in institutions and provide closure for survivors of Epstein's crimes. The inquiry also reflects broader concerns about power dynamics, justice, and the need for accountability at all levels of society.
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/26/2026