Bill Clinton Testifies on Epstein Ties: Key Details & GOP Probe

Former president says he 'did nothing wrong' in relationship with disgraced financier

Mar. 3, 2026 at 6:23am

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Former President Bill Clinton told lawmakers on Friday that he 'did nothing wrong' in his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and saw no indications of Epstein's sexual abuse as he faced hours of questioning about his ties to the disgraced financier dating back over two decades. The closed-door deposition in Chappaqua, New York, marks the first time a former president has been compelled to testify before Congress.

Why it matters

The depositions of both Bill and Hillary Clinton underscore the enduring scrutiny surrounding associations with individuals like Jeffrey Epstein, even long after the events in question. This case highlights the complexities of accountability and the challenges of navigating past relationships when those individuals are later revealed to have committed serious crimes.

The details

Bill Clinton has not been accused of wrongdoing. However, lawmakers are grappling with the question of international accountability at a time when men around the world have been ousted from high positions for maintaining ties with Epstein after he pleaded guilty in 2008 to state charges in Florida for soliciting prostitution from a minor. Republicans have sought to question Bill Clinton about Epstein for years, particularly as conspiracy theories emerged following Epstein's 2019 suicide in a New York jail while facing sex trafficking charges.

  • On Friday, Bill Clinton testified before lawmakers.
  • On Thursday, Hillary Clinton appeared before lawmakers for her own deposition.

The players

Bill Clinton

The former Democratic president who testified that he 'did nothing wrong' in his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

Hillary Clinton

The former Secretary of State and wife of Bill Clinton, who testified on Thursday that she was unaware of Epstein's sexual abuse and did not recall meeting him.

Jeffrey Epstein

The disgraced financier who pleaded guilty in 2008 to state charges in Florida for soliciting prostitution from a minor.

James Comer

The Republican chairman of the House Oversight Committee who questioned Bill Clinton.

Robert Garcia

The top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee who argued that President Donald Trump should also be compelled to testify.

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What they’re saying

“I saw nothing and did nothing wrong.”

— Bill Clinton, Former President

“Nobody is accusing anybody of wrongdoing, but I reckon the American people have a lot of questions.”

— James Comer, House Oversight Committee Chairman

“We're only here due to the fact that he hid it from everyone so well for so long. And by the time it came to light with his guilty plea in 2008, I had long since stopped having anything to do with him.”

— Bill Clinton, Former President

“I think President Trump needs to come forward, come before this committee and answer the questions, and stop saying this investigation is a witch hunt.”

— Robert Garcia, House Oversight Committee Top Democrat

What’s next

The committee is working to quickly release a transcript and video recording of Bill Clinton's deposition.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of accountability and transparency when powerful individuals are connected to those who have committed serious crimes, even long after the events in question. The depositions of both Bill and Hillary Clinton underscore the need for a thorough and impartial investigation to address lingering questions and concerns.