Hillary Clinton Denies Knowledge of Epstein Crimes, Urges Panel to Question Trump

Washington: Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told members of the Republican-led House Oversight Committee that she had no knowledge of the criminal activities of Jeffrey Epstein and urged investigators to seek testimony from President Donald Trump. 

Clinton appeared for a closed-door deposition on Thursday as part of a broader congressional review of documents linked to Epstein.

Clinton Denies Knowledge of Epstein’s Crimes

In her opening remarks, Clinton said she had never knowingly crossed paths with Epstein or his associate, Ghislaine Maxwell.

“As I stated in my sworn declaration on January 13, I had no idea about their criminal activities. I do not recall ever encountering Mr. Epstein. I never flew on his plane or visited his island, homes, or offices. I have nothing to add to that,” she said.

Jeffrey Epstein, a financier and convicted sex offender, died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal trafficking charges. Maxwell was later found guilty of her role in facilitating the abuse of underage girls.

Lawmakers have stressed that appearing in records connected to Epstein does not imply wrongdoing.

Calls for Trump to Testify

Clinton questioned the motives behind the committee’s actions and said her appearance was unnecessary.

“You have compelled me to testify, fully aware that I have no knowledge that would assist your investigation, in order to distract attention from President Trump's actions and to cover them up despite legitimate calls for answers,” she said.

She urged investigators to question Trump directly.

“They should ask Trump directly under oath about the tens of thousands of times he shows up in the Epstein files.”

Trump, who once had a social relationship with Epstein, has not been charged with any offences linked to the case.

Wider Congressional Inquiry

The deposition is a part of a larger investigation into Epstein-related people and information that is being directed by House Republicans.

Clinton described the process as an “institutional failure” and said it appeared designed “to protect one political party and one public official, rather than to seek truth and justice for the victims and survivors (of Epstein).”

Her testimony arrives ahead of an expected appearance by former President Bill Clinton before the same panel. Although no charges have been filed against him in relation to the case, he has been under scrutiny, much like his wife, because of previous associations that have surfaced in Epstein-related records.

The particular lines of questions from the closed session have not been made public by the committee. As lawmakers examine records and evidence connected to Epstein's actions, the larger probe is still ongoing with an emphasis on victim accountability.