Clinton depositions in Epstein probe released

A major development unfolded in the congressional investigation into Jeffrey Epstein as the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee published video recordings of Bill and Hillary Clinton’s private depositions. Over two days of questioning, the former president and former secretary of state addressed their past interactions with Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, repeatedly asserting that they had no knowledge of his sexual crimes and had severed ties years before his 2019 arrest.

Bill Clinton recounts how he met Epstein

Bill Clinton told lawmakers he was introduced to Epstein around 2001 or 2002 through then-Harvard President and former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers. According to Clinton, Summers described Epstein as someone interested in economics and politics who had donated significant funds to Harvard.

Clinton acknowledged traveling on Epstein’s private jet for several trips related to his foundation work, including visits to Asia and Africa. He said his last flight on Epstein’s plane was in 2003 and maintained that their relationship ended after that period.

Remarks about Trump

During his testimony, Bill Clinton said that President Donald Trump once told him that he and Epstein had “a falling out over a land-deal, property deal.” Clinton also noted that Trump “did know him well.”

The White House has reiterated that Trump cut ties with Epstein years before his arrest and has not been charged with any misconduct related to Epstein.

Man shot near Mar-a-Lago was reportedly fixated on Epstein files

Denial of knowledge of sexual misconduct

Bill Clinton firmly denied witnessing or engaging in any sexual activity connected to Epstein.

“I never saw anybody do anything wrong,” he said regarding his trips on Epstein’s plane, adding that he believed the women onboard were flight attendants. When asked whether he had seen underage girls on the aircraft, he replied that, to the best of his knowledge, he had not.

Hillary Clinton declined to speculate about certain photographs shown during questioning, stating she would not comment on matters for which she had no context and was not present.

Donation questions

Both Bill and Hillary Clinton said they were unaware of financial contributions from Epstein to their campaigns.

Bill Clinton said he did not recall two $1,000 donations linked to his 1992 presidential campaign. Hillary Clinton said she had “no recollection” of a reported $20,000 donation to a committee supporting her 2000 Senate bid and denied knowing of Epstein’s involvement with the Clinton Global Initiative.

Tense exchange over Howard Lutnick

Lawmakers also questioned the Clintons about Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Both denied discussing Epstein with him.

During Hillary Clinton’s deposition, Rep. Nancy Mace confronted her with an email allegedly showing Lutnick inviting Epstein to a 2016 campaign fundraiser. Clinton responded that she had no knowledge of any such exchange. Lutnick has acknowledged visiting Epstein’s island in 2012 but has not been accused of wrongdoing.

Background on the Epstein case

Jeffrey Epstein faced multiple state and federal charges over two decades related to the sexual abuse and trafficking of underage girls. In 2008, he accepted a controversial plea deal in Florida on lesser state charges. He was arrested again in New York in July 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges and pleaded not guilty. The case was dismissed following his death by suicide in jail while awaiting trial.