Bill and Hillary Clinton Refuse to Testify in Epstein Probe

Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have formally refused to testify before the House Oversight Committee’s investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, setting off a political and legal confrontation in Washington. The couple’s decision — laid out in a letter to Republican committee chairman Representative James Comer — accuses the inquiry of being partisan and illegitimate and signals a willingness to fight any contempt charges that may follow.

Both Clintons were subpoenaed to appear for closed-door depositions in the GOP-controlled probe, which is examining how the federal government handled Epstein’s case and alleged connections between powerful figures and the late financier. But on Tuesday, they declined to comply with those subpoenas and instead issued a forceful public rejection of the committee’s demands.

“Now Is That Time to Defend & Fight”

In their letter to Comer, Bill and Hillary argued that the investigation lacks a valid legislative purpose and is instead designed to embarrass political rivals. They wrote that they had already provided what limited relevant information they possessed and called the subpoenas “invalid and legally unenforceable.” The pair asserted they were prepared to face whatever consequences arose from their refusal.

“Every person has to decide when they have seen or had enough and are ready to fight for this country, its principles and its people, no matter the consequences,” the letter stated. The Clintons added that they see this moment as the time to take that stand.

Comer, who chairs the House Oversight Committee, responded by announcing plans to hold Bill Clinton in contempt of Congress next week after the former president failed to appear for his scheduled deposition. Hillary Clinton, also subpoenaed, is similarly expected to face potential contempt proceedings if she continues to decline testimony.

Why Congress Wants Them to Testify

The subpoenas stem from a Republican-led investigation into how Epstein’s criminal activities were handled by government agencies and officials, including scrutinizing any connections or interactions Epstein had with prominent public figures. The Clintons’ past relationship with Epstein has long been a subject of public interest, with records showing they had social interactions with him in the 1990s and early 2000s.

Comer has emphasized that the committee’s interest in testimony isn’t rooted in alleged criminal wrongdoing by the Clintons, but rather in answering public questions about Epstein’s access to power and influence over decades. “No one’s accusing Bill Clinton of any wrongdoing,” Comer said, underscoring that the goal is transparency and public insight.

A Partisan Clash or Legitimate Inquiry?

Supporters of the Clintons argue that the subpoenas are politically motivated and designed to distract from other national issues or to score partisan points ahead of future elections. Conversely, Republicans say that the Clintons’ refusal to testify signals guilt or at least a lack of willingness to be transparent, pushing the investigation further into the spotlight.

Legal experts note that contempt of Congress proceedings are rare and can result in fines or even criminal prosecution if the Department of Justice chooses to pursue charges. It’s unclear whether that step will be taken, but the committee appears poised to advance the matter.

This clash highlights the broader tensions in U.S. politics around oversight, accountability, and how far Congress’s investigative powers extend — particularly when they involve former presidents and high-profile political figures.

What Comes Next for Bill and Hillary Clinton?

With contempt of Congress votes on the horizon, Washington is bracing for a prolonged legal and political battle. The Clintons have doubled down on their stance, framing the fight as one for principle, while Republican lawmakers are promising to hold them to account. Whether the matter escalates into prosecutions or stays largely symbolic, it’s clear this dispute will dominate news cycles and public discourse in the weeks ahead.

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