Clintons to testify in Epstein investigation ahead of possible contempt vote

ISLAMABAD: Former US President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have agreed to testify in the congressional investigation into the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, days before a vote on whether to hold the couple in criminal contempt for previously refusing to appear, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reported.

The House Oversight Committee had previously approved a measure to hold the Clintons in contempt, following a months-long standoff over subpoenas. The committee, led by Republicans but supported by some Democrats, said the couple had failed to cooperate despite repeated opportunities, the report said.

The Clintons’ spokesman, Angel Ureña, confirmed on social media that both would appear before the panel, describing the negotiations as conducted “in good faith.” Ureña added that the former president and former secretary of state “look forward to setting a precedent that applies to everyone.”

According to the BBC, the Clintons have previously submitted sworn statements to the committee and insist they have already provided all the “limited information” they hold regarding Epstein. They have dismissed the subpoenas as a political maneuver, saying they were “nothing more than a ploy to attempt to embarrass political rivals.”

Bill Clinton, who had been acquainted with Epstein, has denied any knowledge of Epstein’s sexual abuse and has stated that he ended contact with the financier two decades ago. Released flight logs and photos show Clinton took several international trips on Epstein’s private jet in 2002 and 2003, and visited Epstein’s estate, though Clinton’s team emphasizes these interactions occurred before Epstein’s crimes came to light.

In a letter to Committee Chairman James Comer last month, the Clintons criticized his handling of the investigation, accusing him of prioritizing political objectives over uncovering facts. Comer responded that the subpoenas were approved through a bipartisan vote and reaffirmed that “no one is above the law.”

If the depositions proceed, Bill Clinton would become the first former US president to testify before a congressional panel since Gerald Ford in 1983. The dates of the testimony have not yet been disclosed.