Hillary Clinton Accuses House Oversight Committee of ‘Games’ and ‘Cover-Up’ in Epstein Probe

Hillary Clinton sharply criticized the Republican-led House Oversight Committee on Thursday, labeling its handling of the Jeffrey Epstein probe as “playing games” and engaging in a “cover-up.” Speaking to the BBC ahead of her closed-door deposition, Clinton stated that the panel’s actions led her to “conclude they have something to hide,” while reiterating demands for greater transparency.

Clinton’s remarks came hours before she was questioned under oath in Chappaqua, New York, where committee investigators sought answers about her knowledge of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell as part of the ongoing inquiry. In her BBC interview, Clinton accused the committee of slow-walking the release of Epstein-related materials and redacting names from files, arguing such practices undermined the panel’s stated goal of accountability and fueled suspicion about its motives.

She also reiterated her call for the deposition to be conducted publicly with cameras rolling, insisting that if House Republicans truly sought transparency, “there was nothing more transparent than a public hearing.” This position aligns with statements she has made in public communications with the committee. The deposition followed months of resistance from Clinton and former President Bill Clinton, who initially challenged subpoena validity before agreeing to transcribed testimony after Republicans advanced contempt of Congress resolutions.

Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer defended the probe as necessary to deliver “transparency and accountability for the American people and for survivors,” asserting no one is above the law. Clinton maintained she has no recollection of encountering Epstein, flying on his plane, or visiting his properties, and stated she possessed no knowledge of his criminal conduct—a claim included in sworn declarations submitted to the committee. She further argued that focusing on her and her husband diverts attention from broader questions about how Epstein operated for years before his 2019 death in federal custody, suggesting the investigation risks becoming politicized.

No Epstein survivor has publicly accused either Hillary or Bill Clinton of wrongdoing related to Epstein’s crimes, and neither has been charged with offenses connected to the case. Their past social and political circles have drawn renewed attention following recent document releases. Thursday’s session marked the first of two days of testimony from the former first couple, with Bill Clinton scheduled to appear before the committee as the congressional inquiry continues.