Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton sharply criticized members of the House Oversight Committee on Thursday, accusing them of staging “partisan political theater” by subpoenaing her as part of the Jeffrey Epstein probe.
The closed-door deposition was held at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center in New York.
Clinton called the Republican-led investigation into Epstein an “abdication of duty and an insult to the American people,” while suggesting the committee should focus elsewhere.
Republicans and Democrats on the panel unanimously approved subpoenas for both Hillary and former President Bill Clinton last year. The couple had previously skirted contempt of Congress before agreeing to testify under threat of enforcement.
Clinton’s prepared opening statement reiterated her denial of any ties to Epstein. “I do not recall ever encountering Mr. Epstein,” she said. She also denied ever flying on his private jet, visiting his island, homes, or offices, and said she had “nothing to add” about the criminal network.
Here is my opening statement to the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee today. pic.twitter.com/NZSF2epcI5
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) February 26, 2026
Oversight Chairman James Comer told reporters the interviews with Hillary and Bill would be extensive, noting lawmakers on both sides had pressing questions.
“We worked for six months to get the Clintons to come in,” he said, stressing the probe isn’t an accusation of wrongdoing but an effort to uncover answers about Epstein’s wealth, his powerful connections, and whether any government had involvement.
Rep. James Comer says ‘there are a lot of questions pertaining to Secretary Clinton with respect to Epstein’ https://t.co/Yy23tQrJUa pic.twitter.com/8oQCyiSoEa
— New York Post (@nypost) February 26, 2026
One flashpoint during the deposition occurred when Rep. Lauren Boebert allegedly violated committee rules by taking and leaking a photo of Clinton mid-testimony, prompting a brief pause in proceedings.
🚨BREAKING: The first image of Hillary Clinton testifying under oath about Jeffery Epstein to the Republican Oversight Committee.
This is the first time Hillary has had to answer real questions about Epstein. Clinton does not look happy.
Photo provided by Rep. Lauren Boebert. pic.twitter.com/mPtUyA4u5i
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) February 26, 2026
Republicans say their questions are serious and rooted in public interest, including how Epstein amassed his fortune and cultivated relationships with powerful elites. Comer emphasized the committee’s aim to clarify those connections and understand Epstein’s reach.
🚨 Bill and Hillary Clinton have never answered a single question about their well-documented ties to Jeffrey Epstein & Ghislaine Maxwell.
That ends today.
The House Oversight Committee will press for the answers survivors and the American people deserve. @HARRISFAULKNER pic.twitter.com/DLxgJyWg4m
— Rep. James Comer (@RepJamesComer) February 26, 2026
More over at The New York Post:
Boebert defends unauthorized pic as Clinton deposition starts up again https://t.co/t0NkY7jXNr pic.twitter.com/5Oxx5N7gK5
— New York Post (@nypost) February 26, 2026