Former U.S. President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton distanced themselves from convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during confidential testimonies with lawmakers, as revealed in videos made public by a House committee on Monday. The depositions, conducted over two days last week, demonstrate Bill Clinton’s assertion that he severed ties with Epstein years before the financier’s 2008 guilty plea for soliciting prostitution from a minor. Hillary Clinton stated that she did not even remember meeting Epstein. These closed-door interviews, held under oath, took place on Thursday and Friday before the House oversight committee.
In the wake of Epstein’s death by suicide in 2019 while facing sex trafficking charges, high-profile individuals worldwide have faced resignations due to their associations with Epstein. However, there is limited indication of significant legal repercussions in the U.S. The former Democratic president recalled meeting Epstein in 2002 when he flew on Epstein’s private jet for humanitarian purposes, and they parted ways the following year.
Bill Clinton emphasized to the committee that he did not observe any signs of women trafficking during his interactions with Epstein. Despite Epstein’s multiple visits to the White House during Clinton’s presidency and photographic evidence of their encounters, Clinton claimed no recollection of those specific interactions. Questions from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers probed Clinton about his relationship with Epstein, including a photo showing him with a redacted woman in a pool, to which he asserted no knowledge of the woman or engaging in any inappropriate behavior.
Regarding their interactions, Clinton described the relationship as merely “cordial,” mentioning an arrangement where Epstein provided his private jet for humanitarian trips in exchange for discussions on politics and economics. Larry Summers facilitated their connection, but Clinton decided to part ways upon sensing Epstein’s lack of genuine interest in humanitarian efforts. Clinton denied ever visiting Epstein’s private island or other properties and firmly rejected any insinuation of discussing young women or girls with Epstein.
Clinton also acknowledged a closer relationship with Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s former associate, attributing it to shared connections. He emphasized that Maxwell should face consequences for her involvement in sex trafficking. Lawmakers’ inquiries about U.S. President Donald Trump prompted Clinton to state that all individuals, including presidents, should testify about their knowledge of Epstein. He mentioned a brief conversation about Epstein with Trump over two decades ago, asserting that Trump never gave any indication of improper involvement with Epstein, despite their subsequent falling-out over a real estate deal.
Republican lawmakers seized upon Clinton’s testimony to argue that it refutes any wrongdoing on Trump’s part in his association with Epstein. Conversely, Democrats highlighted the inconsistencies between Clinton’s statements and Trump’s recent explanations for his falling-out with Epstein, citing Trump’s claim of business disputes as the cause.