Former U.S. President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have distanced themselves from convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during private depositions with lawmakers, as revealed in videos released by a House committee on Monday. The depositions, which lasted for hours over two days last week, depicted Bill Clinton stating that he had severed ties with Epstein years before the financier pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting prostitution from a minor. Hillary Clinton mentioned that she did not recall ever meeting Epstein.
Both depositions, taken under oath before the House oversight committee last Thursday and Friday, come as lawmakers seek accountability following Epstein’s death by suicide in 2019 while facing charges related to sex trafficking and the abuse of underage girls. Various prominent figures worldwide have faced repercussions for their associations with Epstein, but the U.S. has yet to see substantial legal consequences.
Former President Bill Clinton recalled meeting Epstein in 2002 when he flew on Epstein’s private jet for humanitarian work organized by the Clintons, noting that they went their separate ways the following year. Clinton clarified that he did not witness any signs of human trafficking during his interactions with Epstein.
During the closed-door interviews, Clinton faced inquiries from both Democrats and Republicans about photos linking him to Epstein. He emphasized that their relationship was primarily cordial, involving discussions on politics and economics in exchange for Epstein providing his private jet for charitable trips. Clinton mentioned that his acquaintance with Epstein was facilitated by Larry Summers, a former treasury secretary, but they went their separate ways due to Epstein’s lack of interest in humanitarian endeavors.
Clinton also acknowledged a closer relationship with Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s ex-girlfriend, attributing it to mutual connections, while emphasizing that she should be held accountable for her conviction on sex trafficking charges. In response to questions from Republicans, Clinton denied discussing young women or girls with Epstein.
A notable line of inquiry focused on President Donald Trump, with Clinton stating the importance of all individuals, including presidents, testifying about their knowledge of Epstein. He recounted a brief conversation about Epstein with Trump at a charity golf event over 20 years ago, mentioning their subsequent falling-out over a real estate transaction. Clinton indicated that Trump had not given any indication of involvement in inappropriate activities with Epstein.
The depositions have evoked contrasting interpretations, with Republican lawmakers citing Clinton’s testimony as evidence of Trump’s innocence in his relationship with Epstein, while Democrats highlighted discrepancies between Clinton’s statements and Trump’s explanations for his fallout with Epstein.
