Comer: Clintons questioning will focus on Epstein donations

Comer: Clintons questioning will focus on Epstein donations

House Oversight Committee to Question Clintons on Epstein-Linked Donations

The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has scheduled depositions with former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to investigate financial aspects of their relationships with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, including the use of donations tied to his network. The depositions, set for February 26–27, 2026, follow months of legal battles and bipartisan efforts to enforce subpoenas.

Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) emphasized that the inquiry will focus on how Epstein's financial influence may have shaped political or institutional decisions. "Their testimony is critical to understanding Epstein's sex trafficking network and the ways he sought to curry favor and influence to shield himself from scrutiny," Comer stated. Epstein, who died in 2019, was known to funnel millions to political figures, charities, and institutions, raising questions about whether such donations facilitated illicit activities or evaded oversight.

The Clintons initially resisted subpoenas, arguing they were "invalid and legally unenforceable" and accusing Comer of politicizing the investigation. However, after the committee voted to recommend criminal contempt charges—marking the first time Congress has considered holding a former president in contempt—they agreed to appear. Their attorneys requested Comer abandon contempt proceedings, but the chairman insisted on full compliance with subpoena terms, including sworn, transcribed depositions.

Legal experts note the precedent-setting nature of the case. Forcing a former president to testify under subpoena is unprecedented in U.S. history. Democrats have criticized the move as politically motivated, with House Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) calling it a "charade" rather than a genuine investigation according to reports.

The inquiry intersects with broader concerns about financial transparency in political relationships. Epstein's donations to entities linked to the Clintons, including the Clinton Foundation, have drawn scrutiny over whether they influenced policy decisions or enabled abuse. The committee aims to clarify these connections while assessing gaps in federal oversight of human trafficking and financial misconduct.

As the depositions approach, the case underscores ongoing tensions between congressional investigative authority and executive branch accountability, with implications for future financial and legal standards in public service.