Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told U.S. House lawmakers that she had no knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein’s or Ghislaine Maxwell’s crimes at the start of two days of depositions.
The testimony comes as part of a congressional investigation led by the House Oversight Committee. The deposition took place in Chappaqua, New York. It marks a significant moment, as it is the first time a former president and first lady have been compelled to testify before Congress in this context. Hillary Clinton shared her opening statement publicly on social media shortly before the closed-door session began.
“I had no idea about their criminal activities. I do not recall ever encountering Mr. Epstein,” she said in a lengthy opening statement she shared on social media.
Her remarks come amid renewed scrutiny surrounding high-profile individuals connected to Epstein, who died in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
Hillary Clinton Denies Knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein’s Criminal Activities
During her opening statement, Hillary Clinton addressed the committee’s justification for subpoenaing her. She stated that lawmakers assumed she possessed information regarding investigations into Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.
“The Committee justified its subpoena to me based on its assumption that I have information regarding the investigations into the criminal activities of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Let me be as clear as I can. I do not,” Clinton said.
She further clarified her position regarding any alleged association with Epstein.
“I never flew on his plane or visited his island. I have nothing to add to that.”
Clinton emphasized that she had no involvement with Epstein and no prior awareness of his criminal conduct. Additionally, she reiterated that she had no knowledge of Maxwell’s activities.
Jeffrey Epstein was arrested in July 2019 on federal charges of sex trafficking minors. He died the following month while in custody at a federal jail in New York. His associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, was later convicted on federal sex trafficking charges and sentenced to prison. More information about the federal case can be found through the U.S. Department of Justice and coverage by reputable outlets such as U.S. Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Details of the Closed-Door Deposition in Chappaqua
The closed-door depositions were conducted in Chappaqua, New York, the Clintons’ hometown. The sessions follow months of exchanges between the Clinton family and the Republican-controlled House Oversight Committee.
The deposition also includes testimony from former President Bill Clinton. According to congressional officials, this marks the first time a former president has been required to testify before Congress under these circumstances.
Hillary Clinton addressed the committee’s handling of the investigation during her remarks. She stated that congressional investigations are too often “partisan political theater.”
“You have held zero public hearings, refused to allow the media to attend them, including today,” Clinton told the panel.
She further noted that lawmakers subpoenaed eight law enforcement officials but heard testimony from only one. In addition, she stated that five former attorneys general were allowed to submit written statements indicating they had no relevant information.
Clinton also said the committee has made “little effort” to call individuals who appear most prominently in the released files related to the Epstein investigation.
The House Oversight Committee has not publicly released full transcripts of the depositions as of this writing. Updates are expected as the investigation continues.
Why Hillary Clinton’s Jeffrey Epstein Deposition Matters
Hillary Clinton Shares Her Opening Statement At Jeffrey Epstein Deposition: “I do not recall ever encountering Mr. Epstein” has drawn national attention due to the high-profile nature of those involved.
Jeffrey Epstein’s case continues to generate scrutiny because of his associations with politicians, business leaders, and public figures. Congressional interest remains focused on understanding how federal investigations were handled and whether any procedural failures occurred.
Clinton stated that the committee’s focus should be directed at the federal government’s handling of the investigations and prosecutions of Epstein. She maintained that she has no information relevant to the committee’s stated objectives.