House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer is pushing forward with one of Congress’s most closely watched investigations, formally directing former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to appear for depositions next month. The move marks the most aggressive step yet in the committee’s ongoing effort to map out the extent of Jeffrey Epstein’s connections to political, business, and philanthropic figures.
Comer first issued subpoenas for the Clintons in August, but their legal team responded earlier this month indicating that the couple would participate only by offering a limited written statement. That response was not enough for the committee, which has made clear that it intends to gather firsthand testimony from the former first couple.
In a letter rejecting the written-proffer offer, Comer explained that the committee’s work requires the opportunity to interview the Clintons directly.
“Your clients have acknowledged that they possess information relevant to the committee’s oversight,” Comer wrote. “A written submission does not replace the need for testimony that allows for detail, clarification, and follow-up questions.”
The committee argues that the Clintons’ contact with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell did not occur as part of their governmental roles, which Comer says is precisely why the committee wants to understand the nature of those interactions.
“It is the fact that both maintained relationships with Mr. Epstein and Ms. Maxwell while acting as private citizens that is at issue,” he added.
According to the schedule laid out in the committee’s notice, Bill Clinton is expected to appear for questioning on December 17 at 10 a.m., with Hillary Clinton set for December 18 at the same time. Depositions of former government officials are uncommon but well within the committee’s authority when pursuing legislative oversight.
Legal Maneuvering Expected Ahead of Depositions
Even with the dates now on the calendar, legal observers anticipate significant back-and-forth before either Clinton sits before congressional investigators.
Several legal experts have noted that both Clintons may attempt to invoke executive privilege or other forms of testimonial protection. However, analysts also point out that such privileges traditionally apply to official duties, not personal interactions or private relationships.
It remains unclear whether courts would extend any privilege claims to the specific matters at hand, which stretch across decades and involve a mix of social, philanthropic, and travel-related interactions with Epstein.
If either Clinton refuses to appear, the committee could pursue contempt proceedings, though such steps are lengthy and politically complicated. For now, Comer appears intent on securing in-person answers.
Tracing the Clintons’ Interactions With Epstein
While the committee has not accused the Clintons of criminal wrongdoing, it is seeking their testimony as part of a wider attempt to understand Epstein’s network—a network that has drawn increased attention since thousands of pages of documents tied to Epstein’s communications became public in recent weeks.
Several known connections between the Clintons and Epstein are already part of the public record:
Bill Clinton’s Documented Contact With Epstein
- Flight logs show that Bill Clinton flew multiple times aboard Epstein’s private jet after leaving office.
- Clinton’s spokesperson has previously acknowledged the flights but said they were tied to philanthropic work through the Clinton Foundation.
- A spokesperson also insisted that Clinton had not spoken to Epstein “in well over a decade” prior to Epstein’s 2019 arrest.
Hillary Clinton’s Campaign Donations
- Epstein made political donations to Hillary Clinton prior to his 2008 Florida plea deal.
- After his conviction, Epstein was no longer seen as a political donor to either party.
Ghislaine Maxwell’s Attendance at Chelsea Clinton’s Wedding
- Maxwell attended Chelsea Clinton’s 2010 wedding, a detail that resurfaced during Maxwell’s 2021 trial.
- Attorneys for Maxwell at the time characterized the attendance as proof of Maxwell’s wide-ranging social ties.
- The Clintons have not commented publicly on Maxwell’s presence at the event.
Epstein’s Visits to the White House
- Visitor logs show Epstein visited the Clinton White House multiple times in the 1990s.
- The purposes of those visits remain part of ongoing scrutiny by journalists and congressional researchers.
While none of these interactions indicate misconduct, Comer has emphasized that the committee aims to understand the extent of Epstein’s influence among high-profile individuals during the period when he was cultivating relationships across political, academic, and financial circles.
Newly Released Epstein Communications Renew Interest in High-Profile Contacts
More than 23,000 pages of records—emails, text messages, and various communications—were released this week as part of the court-ordered disclosure of Epstein-related documents. These records reveal points of contact with a wide range of public figures.
According to multiple reports, individuals mentioned in the records or included in Epstein’s communication logs include:
- Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers
- Delegate from the U.S. Virgin Islands Stacey Plaskett
- Former Obama White House counsel Kathryn Ruemmler
- House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries
None of these individuals have been accused of wrongdoing, but their inclusion adds to the broader narrative of Epstein’s extensive social and professional reach.
For the committee, these disclosures add urgency to understanding how Epstein operated his network, who he interacted with, and what those interactions entailed.
Why the Depositions Matter for Oversight
The stated purpose of the Oversight Committee’s inquiry is to determine whether current federal laws allow high-profile individuals to engage in misconduct or to evade proper scrutiny, and whether reforms are needed to prevent such abuses.
Comer has framed the investigation as an effort to identify gaps in the federal system—particularly in areas such as:
- Mandatory reporting requirements
- Travel transparency for government officials and former officials
- Rules governing charitable partnerships
- Oversight of private actors who maintain ties with public figures
The Clintons, given their long public careers and high profiles, fall naturally within the committee’s scope.
Whether the committee ultimately uncovers actionable policy recommendations remains to be seen, but the depositions are expected to draw significant national attention.
What to Expect in the Coming Weeks
The lead-up to the mid-December deposition dates is likely to include:
1. Potential Legal Challenges
The Clintons’ legal team may attempt to postpone, narrow, or block the depositions. Such motions could delay the process but are unlikely to eliminate the requirement entirely.
2. Continued Release of Epstein Materials
As more documents are processed and released, additional high-profile names or interactions may come to light.
3. Political Reactions and Commentary
Members of both parties will likely weigh in, though Republicans are expected to support the committee’s approach, while Democrats may argue that the inquiry is politically motivated.
4. Preparations for Public Statements
Although depositions occur behind closed doors, both the committee and the Clintons’ attorneys may issue statements or summaries afterward.
Conclusion
The decision to require in-person testimony from Bill and Hillary Clinton signals a major escalation in Congress’s post-Epstein oversight efforts. While the committee has not accused the former president or former secretary of state of wrongdoing, Comer has made clear that their testimony is considered essential for building a complete account of Epstein’s connections and influence.
With deposition dates set and newly released documents continuing to raise questions, the investigation appears poised to remain a major national story well into the winter.
