WASHINGTON : In a sharply worded opening statement published online ahead of her subpoenaed testimony on Thursday, Clinton condemned what she described as an “institutional failure” within the US government to pursue “truth and justice for the victims and survivors” of Epstein’s crimes.
Clinton, who was compelled to appear before the House of Representatives panel, alleged that the investigation was being used as a political distraction. She accused Republican lawmakers of attempting to “protect one political party and one public official” while deflecting scrutiny away from President Trump.
“You have compelled me to testify, fully aware I have no knowledge that would assist in your investigation, in order to distract attention from President Trump’s actions and to cover them up,” Clinton wrote.
Her husband, former President Bill Clinton, is scheduled to testify before the same panel on Friday. Both Democrats have repeatedly maintained they had no knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities and have said they have provided all relevant information to lawmakers.
The couple had previously resisted appearing in person and were threatened with contempt charges before complying with the subpoenas.
Clinton also questioned the panel’s procedures, highlighting that some subpoenaed individuals were permitted to respond in writing while her hearing was conducted behind closed doors. She suggested that if the committee were committed to a fair and transparent investigation, it would directly question Trump “under oath about the tens of thousands of times he shows up in the Epstein files”.
The controversy centres on longstanding demands for accountability over whether powerful figures helped shield Epstein from justice.
Epstein, a wealthy financier with connections across politics, academia and the arts, was convicted in Florida in 2008 for soliciting a minor for prostitution. He served 13 months of an 18-month sentence under a plea deal widely criticised as overly lenient.
In 2019, federal prosecutors charged Epstein with running a sex-trafficking ring involving underage girls. However, he died by apparent suicide in jail at age 66 while awaiting trial, fuelling years of speculation over his powerful network of associates.
Both Bill Clinton and Donald Trump were among high-profile figures known to have moved in Epstein’s social circle. Clinton, in her statement, also referenced media reports highlighting aspects of Trump’s past relationship with Epstein, including a sexually suggestive birthday note allegedly written by the Republican leader.
She further cited an email exchange between Epstein and billionaire Elon Musk that was included in a recent Department of Justice document release, arguing that a serious inquiry would subpoena anyone involved in arranging events on Epstein’s private island.
New details in the case emerged on January 30, when the Department of Justice released nearly 3.5 million government documents related to Epstein, following a law passed in November compelling the Trump administration to publish the files within 30 days.
Despite the release, critics have accused the administration of withholding key investigative materials. The Justice Department has said it will review claims that documents containing allegations against Trump may have been illegally withheld.
Officials have stressed that an individual’s name appearing in the files does not imply criminal wrongdoing. However, survivors, sexual violence advocates and several lawmakers continue to call for greater transparency and accountability, citing the scale and gravity of Epstein’s crimes.
Hillary Clinton, in a forceful statement, criticized the US government's handling of the Epstein investigation, accusing it of being a political distraction to shield President Trump. She demanded Trump testify under oath, questioning the fairness of the inquiry. Both Clintons, subpoenaed to testify, maintain they had no knowledge of Epstein's crimes.