Congressional Committee Issues Subpoenas to Bill and Hillary Clinton in Epstein Investigation
Former US President Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary Clinton are among several prominent individuals who have received legal subpoenas from a congressional committee probing the late financier Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal activities. The subpoenas were issued by Republican James Comer, chairman of the House Oversight Committee, as part of an ongoing inquiry into Epstein’s history and the federal government’s handling of related investigations.
Committee Seeks Transparency Amid Controversy Over Epstein Files
The House Oversight Committee’s decision to subpoena the Clintons and eight other high-profile figures follows the Trump administration’s refusal to release additional federal documents concerning Epstein. This move sparked significant backlash from both Trump supporters and some Democrats, who challenged the Justice Department’s claim that the files contained no “incriminating client list.”
The committee, composed of members from both political parties, recently voted to issue subpoenas amid tensions between former President Donald Trump and some of his allies regarding Epstein’s case. In addition to individuals, the Justice Department itself has been subpoenaed to provide records related to the investigation.
Ghislaine Maxwell’s Testimony Postponed
Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s close associate currently serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking, had indicated willingness to testify before the committee under strict legal protections. However, her deposition originally scheduled for August 11 has been postponed indefinitely, delaying a potentially critical phase of the inquiry.
Two Decades of Legal Scrutiny
The Epstein case has spanned over twenty years, beginning with investigations by Florida police and the FBI in the early 2000s into allegations of sexual abuse by the wealthy and well-connected financier. The committee’s subpoenas aim to deepen oversight of federal enforcement of sex trafficking laws, specifically focusing on how Epstein and Maxwell’s cases were handled.
Upcoming Depositions and Key Figures Summoned
Chairman Comer emphasized in letters to the subpoenaed individuals that the committee’s mandate includes thorough oversight of federal sex trafficking law enforcement and the prosecution of Epstein and Maxwell. Depositions are set to begin this month and continue through the autumn, with Bill Clinton’s testimony scheduled for October 14.
Alongside the Clintons, several former Attorneys General have been summoned, including Merrick Garland, Loretta Lynch, Eric Holder, and Alberto Gonzales. Former Attorneys General Jeff Sessions and William Barr are also among those called to provide testimony, highlighting the broad scope of the investigation into the federal government’s role in the Epstein case.