Bill Clinton is scheduled to make history by becoming the first former president in recent memory to face a congressional committee in a confrontational interview. Despite this, he is no stranger to groundbreaking testimonies. The 79-year-old will provide a closed-door deposition in his Chappaqua, N.Y., hometown regarding “matters related to the investigations and prosecutions of Jeffrey Epstein.” The House oversight committee, led by Republicans, previously questioned his wife, Hillary, on the same subject.
In post-World War II history, only Harry Truman and Gerald Ford, besides Clinton, have testified before a congressional committee. Truman’s testimony was about the United Nations charter’s 10th anniversary, while Ford discussed the 200th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution.
Clinton has refuted any allegations of wrongdoing or awareness of Epstein’s illicit activities during their association. While Clinton’s camp acknowledges his presence on Epstein’s private plane on four occasions, there are reports suggesting a higher number of flights, a matter that may arise during Friday’s inquiry. Clinton has stated that there was no contact between them after 2005 but has not disclosed the reason publicly.
Angel Urena, a longtime spokesperson for Clinton, categorizes individuals into two groups: those who distanced themselves from Epstein before his criminal acts were exposed and those who maintained ties with him afterward. Clinton’s camp claims to belong to the former group. Interestingly, Kenneth Starr, the independent counsel who probed Clinton in the 1990s, appears to have had a longer relationship with Epstein than previously known.
During the 1990s, Clinton faced legal and reputational risks due to testimonies under oath relating to potential scandals. While several presidents have avoided such situations, Reagan and Trump only submitted written answers under oath. Clinton found himself embroiled in the first presidential impeachment in 130 years after denying allegations of a sexual relationship with Monica Lewinsky. This led to a perjury charge, although the Senate eventually acquitted him of perjury and obstruction of justice.
Starr and Epstein’s interactions have been less publicized compared to Clinton’s, with their correspondence extending until 2018. Clinton acknowledges limited in-person contact with Epstein between 2001 and 2003. Pictures released as part of the Epstein Files Transparency Act show Clinton with Ghislaine Maxwell, an Epstein associate, in undisclosed circumstances. Maxwell, who attended Chelsea Clinton’s wedding, was later convicted on sex trafficking charges.
Democrats have criticized the Republican-led committee for targeting the Clintons, while also questioning the need for the hearing. They have pointed out inconsistencies in statements made by Howard Lutnick, Trump’s commerce secretary, regarding his relationship with Epstein. The possibility of calling Trump for questioning remains uncertain, although Democrats aim to retake the House in the upcoming elections, which could lead to further inquiries into individuals associated with Epstein.
Overall, Clinton’s upcoming deposition is expected to shed more light on his interactions with Epstein, adding another chapter to the ongoing saga surrounding the disgraced financier’s network of high-profile connections.