Hillary Clinton 2026: Testifies in Epstein Probe, Denies Knowledge, and Calls for Trump to Testify
In a historic and highly anticipated appearance, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton testified before the House Oversight Committee on February 26, 2026, as part of the congressional investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The closed-door deposition in Chappaqua, New York, marks the first time a former first lady and presidential candidate has been compelled to testify in such a probe—and sets the stage for former President Bill Clinton's testimony the following day.
Here is everything you need to know about Hillary Clinton's 2026 testimony, her statement, the political context, and what happens next.
Breaking News: Hillary Clinton's Epstein Deposition
What Happened on February 26, 2026
On Thursday, February 26, 2026, Hillary Clinton arrived at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center in New York for a closed-door deposition before the Republican-led House Oversight Committee . Her motorcade was met by a heavy media presence, with barricades set up around the venue as journalists from around the world awaited her arrival .
The deposition lasted several hours, with Committee Chair Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., promising a "long deposition" to thoroughly question Clinton about her connections to Epstein and his former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell .
Hillary Clinton's Opening Statement: "I Had No Idea"
In her opening statement—which she shared publicly on social media—Clinton was unequivocal in her denial of any knowledge of Epstein's crimes .
"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 added: "Like every decent person, I have been horrified by what we have learned about their crimes" .
Clinton did acknowledge some limited connections to Maxwell, Epstein's former girlfriend and confidante, through Clinton Foundation events and her attendance at daughter Chelsea Clinton's 2010 wedding . However, she maintained she had no meaningful interactions with Epstein himself .
The Political Context: Why This Is Happening Now
A Historic First
The Clinton depositions represent a landmark moment in American political history. Bill Clinton will become the first former president ever compelled to testify before Congress against his will when he appears on February 27, 2026 .
The Clintons initially rejected subpoenas ordering them to testify, but they agreed to appear after House Republicans threatened to hold them in contempt of Congress . The committee had approved contempt resolutions against Bill Clinton (34-8) and Hillary Clinton (28-15) in January after they failed to appear for previously subpoenaed depositions .
The Epstein Files Release
The investigation gained momentum following the passage of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, signed by President Donald Trump in November 2025 . Since December 2025, the Justice Department has released over three million pages of documents related to Epstein, featuring prominent figures including both Clintons and Trump .
Important note: Mere mention in the Epstein files is not proof of having committed a crime, and neither Clinton has been accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein .
What Republicans Want to Know
Committee Chair James Comer outlined the key questions Republicans hope to answer through the Clinton depositions :
How did Epstein accumulate his wealth?
How was he able to surround himself with the most powerful men in the world?
Was Epstein ever an "asset" for the U.S. government or a foreign government?
Comer emphasized before the deposition: "No one's accusing, at this moment, the Clintons of any wrongdoing. They're going to have due process" .
Hillary Clinton's Counterattack: "Make Trump Testify"
Calling for Presidential Accountability
In her opening statement, Clinton challenged the committee to apply the same scrutiny to President Donald Trump .
"If this Committee is serious about learning the truth about Epstein's trafficking crimes, it would not rely on press gaggles to get answers from our current president on his involvement; it would ask him directly under oath about the tens of thousands of times he shows up in the Epstein files" .
Democrats Join the Call
Rep. Robert Garcia of California, the top Democrat on the Oversight panel, also called on Trump to testify, arguing that Bill Clinton's appearance sets a precedent that should apply to the sitting president .
"Let's get President Trump in front of our committee to answer the questions that are being asked across this country from survivors" , Garcia said .
Comer has previously stated that the committee cannot depose Trump because he is a sitting president . Trump himself has expressed regret that the Clintons are being forced to testify .
Why Hillary Clinton? The "Stand by Your Man" Dynamic
A Familiar Position
A New York Times news analysis published the day before Clinton's testimony highlighted a recurring theme in her public life: answering for her husband's actions .
The piece drew parallels to the famous 1992 "60 Minutes" interview, where Hillary Clinton defended her husband amid Gennifer Flowers' allegations of an extramarital affair . Then, as now, Clinton found herself addressing questions ultimately stemming from Bill Clinton's relationships and choices.
"I'm not sitting here, some little woman standing by my man like Tammy Wynette," she said in that 1992 interview. "I'm sitting here because I love him, and I respect him, and I honor what he's been through and what we've been through together" .
More than three decades later, the dynamic persists—though this time, the stakes involve a congressional investigation into one of the most notorious sex criminals in modern history .
What Bill Clinton Has Said
Bill Clinton has acknowledged flying on Epstein's plane several times in the early 2000s for Clinton Foundation-related humanitarian work but has stated he never visited Epstein's private Caribbean island . He has denied any wrongdoing or knowledge of Epstein's crimes .
The former president pushed for a public hearing, writing on X earlier this month: "If they want answers, let's stop the games and do this the right way: in a public hearing, where the American people can see for themselves what this is really about" .
Key Details of the Clinton Depositions
What Happens Next?
Bill Clinton's Turn
Former President Bill Clinton is scheduled to testify on Friday, February 27, 2026 . Like his wife, he will face questions behind closed doors about his connections to Epstein, his flights on Epstein's plane, and his knowledge of Epstein's activities.
Release of Transcripts and Video
While the depositions are closed to the public, they are being video-recorded and transcribed in accordance with House rules . According to CNN, citing an anonymous source, the video will be released days after the interviews are completed . This will allow the public to eventually see what was said.
Potential for Future Testimony
Democrats continue to push for President Trump to testify, though Comer has rejected this as impractical given Trump's status as a sitting president . However, the precedent set by compelling a former president to testify could have lasting implications for congressional oversight powers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hillary Clinton accused of any wrongdoing in the Epstein case?
No. Neither Hillary Clinton nor Bill Clinton has been accused of any wrongdoing in connection with Jeffrey Epstein. Mere mention in the Epstein files does not imply criminal behavior .
Did Hillary Clinton know Jeffrey Epstein?
Hillary Clinton stated in her testimony that she does not recall ever encountering Mr. Epstein . She acknowledged some connections to Ghislaine Maxwell through Clinton Foundation events and her daughter's wedding .
Why are the Clintons testifying now?
The Clintons initially rejected subpoenas but agreed to testify after House Republicans threatened to hold them in contempt of Congress . The investigation gained momentum following the release of millions of pages of Epstein files under the Epstein Files Transparency Act .
Will the public see the testimony?
The depositions are being held behind closed doors, but they are being video-recorded and transcribed. Reports indicate the video will be released days after the interviews are completed .
Will President Trump testify?
Committee Chair James Comer has stated that the committee cannot depose a sitting president . Democrats have called for Trump to testify, arguing that Bill Clinton's appearance sets a precedent that should apply to all presidents .
Conclusion: A Defining Moment
Hillary Clinton's 2026 testimony before the House Oversight Committee represents a significant chapter in both her public career and the ongoing investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's crimes. While she has denied any knowledge of Epstein's activities and called for transparency from all public officials—including President Trump—the political and legal ramifications of these depositions will continue to unfold in the days and weeks ahead.
With Bill Clinton set to testify on February 27 and the eventual release of deposition transcripts and video, the American public will soon have more information about one of the most scrutinized investigations in recent memory.
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