Donald Trump rebuked Republican allies for compelling former President Bill Clinton to testify about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Speaking to reporters outside the White House on Friday, Trump remarked, ‘I don’t like seeing him deposed, but they certainly went after me.’ He added, ‘I like him.’
Clinton’s Historic Testimony
Clinton appeared before the House Oversight Committee in Chappaqua, New York, marking the first time an ex-president has been forced to testify in Congress against his will. The session focused on Epstein’s activities and the Justice Department’s case handling.
Democratic lawmakers outside the hearing argued, ‘We’re talking to the wrong president today,’ while pushing for Trump to testify as well. Both leaders face scrutiny after repeated mentions in recently released Epstein files from the Justice Department.
Clinton Defends Himself and Hillary
Clinton delivered a forceful opening statement, denying any wrongdoing: ‘I saw nothing, and I did nothing wrong.’ He criticized Republicans for subpoenaing his wife Hillary, who testified the previous day and insisted she never met Epstein.
‘Before we start, I have to get personal. You made Hillary come in. She had nothing to do with Jeffrey Epstein. Nothing,’ Clinton stated. ‘She has no memory of even meeting him. She neither traveled with him nor visited any of his properties. Whether you subpoenaed 10 people or 10,000, including her was simply not right.’
Anticipating questions, Clinton noted he would frequently say, ‘I don’t recall.’ ‘You’ll often hear me say that I don’t recall. That might be unsatisfying. But I’m not going to say something I’m not sure of,’ he explained. ‘This was all a long time ago. And I am bound by my oath not to speculate, or to guess.’
Revealed Epstein Connections
New evidence from the files includes photos of Clinton on Epstein’s private jet with his arm around a young woman, swimming with Ghislaine Maxwell, and relaxing in a hot tub with an unidentified woman. Epstein visited the Clinton White House at least 17 times from 1993 to 1995 and Clinton flew on his jet at least 27 times.
Clinton attributed flights in 2002 and 2003 to Clinton Foundation charity work, stating Epstein provided a plane for him, staff, and Secret Service. He denied visiting Epstein’s Little St. James island, a claim supported by Maxwell’s Justice Department interview.
Reflecting on his background, Clinton said, ‘As someone who grew up in a home with domestic abuse, not only would I not have flown on his plane if I had any inkling of what he was doing—I would have turned him in myself and led the call for justice for his crimes, not sweetheart deals.’
Maxwell attended Chelsea Clinton’s 2010 wedding, years after Epstein’s conviction. Clinton cut ties after Epstein’s 2008 guilty plea. ‘But even with 20/20 hindsight, I saw nothing that ever gave me pause. We are only here because he hid it from everyone so well for so long,’ he added.
Political Backlash and Precedent
Clinton testified under threat of contempt after initial resistance. The private deposition is recorded, with footage expected post-review by his legal team.
Democrats, led by Rep. Robert Garcia, demand Trump testify, citing historical subpoenas of ex-presidents like Truman, Tyler, Quincy Adams, and Nixon. Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer counters that Trump has addressed Epstein questions publicly.
Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting sex trafficking trial; Maxwell serves a 20-year sentence as his sole convicted co-conspirator.
In his full statement, Clinton emphasized accountability: ‘America was built upon the idea that no person is above the law, even Presidents—especially Presidents.’ He committed to answering questions truthfully to aid victims’ justice and healing.
