Bill Clinton asked about hot tub photo and testifies he knew ‘nothing’ of Epstein crimes
Bill Clinton Testifies He Was Unaware of Epstein’s Crimes, Shares Hot Tub Photo
Bill Clinton, the former U.S. president, appeared before a congressional panel in New York, where he asserted that he had “no knowledge” of Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal activities and claimed to have “done nothing wrong” in their relationship. The closed-door hearing, which spanned multiple hours, included scrutiny of a newly disclosed image featuring Clinton in a hot tub with an unidentified individual. This photograph, highlighting his connection to Epstein, was a focal point of the questioning.
Clinton and His Wife Resisted Subpoenas Before Agreeing to Testify
Both Clinton and his wife, Hillary, who previously served as U.S. Secretary of State, had initially dismissed congressional subpoenas as politically driven. However, they eventually agreed to appear as the threat of contempt-of-Congress proceedings loomed. During the session, Clinton was specifically asked about the woman in the hot tub photo, whom he said he did not recognize. A source shared with the BBC that he denied having sexual relations with her.
“I would have turned him in myself,” Clinton stated in his opening remarks, released publicly prior to the testimony. “I hope it will motivate the justice department to finally release all the files and ensure this never happens again. The survivors deserve that.”
Clinton’s deposition was described by House Oversight Committee chairman James Comer as “a very productive session.” Comer noted that Clinton answered every question or attempted to do so, with video and transcript of the testimony set for public release. He hailed the Clintons’ appearances as “historic,” marking the first time two top-ranking officials had been deposed by Congress in the nation’s history.
Testimony Sparks Debate Over Trump’s Ties to Epstein
The hearing also touched on President Donald Trump’s relationship with Epstein. House Democrats argued that Clinton’s testimony provided “new evidence” linking Trump to the financier, urging further action to bring the current president into questioning. Robert Garcia, the committee’s leading Democrat, reiterated demands for Trump’s deposition, stating, “We now have a new precedent in this country that presidents and former presidents can testify before this committee.”
“That’s for you to decide,” Clinton said when asked if Trump should be called to testify. He added that he had no insight into Trump’s involvement in Epstein’s alleged crimes, maintaining his stance that the former president had been “cleared of wrongdoing.”
Meanwhile, Trump expressed frustration over Clinton’s testimony, telling reporters, “I don’t like seeing him deposed.” Despite this, lawmakers from both parties confirmed that Clinton had been cooperative, transparent, and responsive during the proceedings. Clinton reiterated his claim of ignorance regarding Epstein’s activities and noted that he had severed ties with the financier two decades ago.
Congressional records indicate that six sitting and former presidents have previously testified before committees, with Clinton becoming the seventh. The panel continues its investigation to deliver clarity to the public and justice to Epstein’s survivors.
