Clinton Accuses House Oversight Panel of Cover-Up in Epstein Probe Before Deposition
U.S. Representative James Comer (R-KY) speaks to the media on the day of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton appearance for a deposition in the House Oversight Committee investigation of late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center in Chappaqua, New York, U.S., February 26, 2026. Picture taken with a mobile phone. REUTERS/Hussein Al Waaile
Hillary Clinton accused the Republican-led House Oversight Committee of “playing games” and engaging in a “cover-up” ahead of her closed-door deposition in the Jeffrey Epstein probe, stating that the panel’s handling of the case led her to “conclude they have something to hide.” In remarks to the BBC, Clinton renewed her demands for greater transparency.
The criticism came hours before Clinton was questioned under oath Thursday in Chappaqua, New York. Committee investigators sought answers about her knowledge of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell as part of the panel’s ongoing inquiry.
Clinton alleged that the committee had slow-walked the release of Epstein-related materials and redacted names from files, arguing such actions undermined its stated goal of accountability and instead fueled suspicion about the panel’s motives. She also reiterated her call for the deposition to be conducted publicly with cameras rolling, asserting that “if House Republicans truly wanted transparency there was nothing more transparent than a public hearing.”
The deposition followed months of resistance by Clinton and former President Bill Clinton, who initially contested the validity of subpoenas issued by the committee before agreeing to provide transcribed and recorded testimony after Republicans advanced contempt of Congress resolutions.
Oversight Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer defended the probe as necessary to deliver “transparency and accountability for the American people and for survivors,” emphasizing that no one is above the law as the committee questions high-profile figures with past associations to Epstein.
Clinton maintained she has no recollection of encountering Epstein, flying on his plane, or visiting his properties, and claims she had no knowledge of his criminal conduct—a position she previously included in sworn declarations submitted to the committee. She further argued that focusing on her and her husband diverts attention from broader questions about how Epstein operated for years before his 2019 death in federal custody, suggesting the investigation risks becoming politicized.
No Epstein survivor has publicly accused either Hillary or Bill Clinton of wrongdoing related to Epstein’s crimes, and neither has been charged with any offense. However, their past social and political circles have drawn renewed attention following recent document releases.
Thursday’s session marked the first of two days of testimony from the former first couple, with Bill Clinton scheduled for his own appearance before the committee as the congressional inquiry continues.
