A long-standing conflict between House Republicans and the Clintons over the Jeffrey Epstein investigation is approaching a critical point on Capitol Hill, according to the New York Times. Rep. James Comer, the Kentucky Republican who chairs the House Oversight Committee, is threatening to pursue contempt of Congress charges if Bill and Hillary Clinton do not appear for in-person depositions.
This step represents the most assertive effort yet by Republicans to shift the spotlight from Epstein’s ties to President Trump and his administration toward prominent Democrats, including the Clintons, who have been connected to Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Comer has indicated that Bill Clinton is scheduled for a deposition on Wednesday, with Hillary Clinton set for the following day. He has warned that he will initiate contempt proceedings if they fail to appear or reschedule for early January, according to Politico.
Comer has already subpoenaed the Justice Department for its Epstein-related files, as well as several former top law enforcement officials; only former Attorney General William Barr has provided testimony. The Clintons, through their longtime attorney David Kendall, have pushed back by offering sworn written statements rather than live testimony—an approach Comer previously allowed for several former attorneys general and two former FBI directors, according to correspondence reviewed by the Times. Kendall contends that the Clintons lack relevant information, calling the subpoenas “purposeless and harassing” and accusing Comer of orchestrating a “public spectacle for partisan purposes.” Spokespeople for both Clintons say Comer has not explained why they are being held to a different standard than other witnesses who were excused.
Bill Clinton has acknowledged knowing Epstein and taking several trips on his private jet in the early 2000s but says he ended all contact about 20 years ago and never visited Epstein’s island. Kendall adds that Clinton regrets the limited association in light of later revelations. Hillary Clinton, according to Kendall, never flew on Epstein’s plane, never visited his properties, and does not recall speaking with him. Her only connection to Maxwell was “limited contact” through a mutual acquaintance, and she was unaware that one of her former campaign and State Department staffers was related to Maxwell.
A recent poll cited by The Hill indicates that more than 70% of respondents believe the government is concealing information about Epstein’s connections.