Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have formally declined to testify before a Republican-led congressional committee investigating the Jeffrey Epstein case, characterizing the probe as a politically motivated exercise rather than a legitimate investigation. The high-profile refusal sets the stage for a significant constitutional confrontation between political figures and congressional oversight authority.
In a strongly worded letter addressed to Representative James Comer, Chairman of the House Oversight Committee, the Clintons articulated their position that the investigation has deviated from its purported purpose. They asserted they had already provided what limited information they possessed regarding Epstein, whose crimes they described as “horrific,” while accusing Comer of redirecting focus away from alleged failures during the Trump administration.
The Clintons’ communication explicitly challenged the committee’s motives, stating: “There is no plausible explanation for what you are doing other than partisan politics.” They further indicated they anticipate being held in contempt of Congress for their refusal to comply with the subpoena, a move that could potentially lead to criminal charges.
This development occurs amidst the Trump administration’s directive to the Justice Department to release files related to criminal investigations of Epstein, complying with congressional transparency legislation. The late financier had previously maintained associations with numerous high-profile figures across political spectrums, including both Trump and the Clintons, adding complexity to the ongoing investigation and its perceived political dimensions.