Washington, United States. Former U.S. President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton will testify in a House investigation into the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a staffer said on Monday. The decision could avert a planned House vote to hold them in contempt, which could lead to criminal charges.
Testimony and potential contempt votes
Republicans in the House of Representatives had planned a vote to hold the Clintons in contempt after the House Oversight Committee recommended the move last week over their refusal to testify in person about their relationship with Epstein.
The Clintons had offered to cooperate with the panel but declined to appear in person, saying the investigation was a partisan exercise aimed at protecting Republican President Donald Trump.
Asked if the House would hold up its contempt votes against the Clintons, House Speaker Mike Johnson told Reuters, “They’re working on that right now. The lawyers are looking into the details.” Johnson earlier welcomed news that the former president and former secretary of state agreed to testify.
Justice Department document release
The U.S. Justice Department recently released millions of internal documents related to Epstein, revealing ties to prominent figures in politics, finance, academia and business, both before and after Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to prostitution charges.
References to Donald Trump in released material
The documents describe Trump socializing with Epstein extensively in the 1990s and 2000s and quote Trump in a magazine profile during that period as saying Epstein likes women “on the younger side.”
Materials released include photos of Trump with several women whose faces are redacted and a suggestive note to Epstein framed by the outline of a naked woman that appears to bear Trump’s signature. Evidence and testimony submitted in the 2021 trial of Epstein’s associate Ghislaine Maxwell indicate Trump traveled on Epstein’s plane multiple times. Epstein wrote in one email that Trump “knew about the girls,” though it is not clear what he meant.
Trump has denied any knowledge of Epstein’s crimes and said he broke off ties in the early 2000s, before Epstein’s plea deal. He denies ever flying on Epstein’s plane and said the suggestive note was faked.
Bill Clinton’s association with Epstein
The released material also describes Bill Clinton socializing with Epstein and flying on his plane several times in the early 2000s after leaving office. Photos show him swimming and posing with women whose faces are redacted. Clinton has denied wrongdoing and said he regrets his past association with Epstein.
What do you think Congress should prioritize in its investigation into Epstein’s ties to prominent figures?