Bill Clinton is scheduled to make history as the first former president in recent memory to face questioning by a congressional committee in a potentially adversarial setting. This event marks another instance of Clinton providing significant testimony. The closed-door deposition, set to take place in his Chappaqua, N.Y., hometown, will focus on matters related to the investigations and prosecutions of Jeffrey Epstein. Notably, the Republican-led House oversight committee recently interrogated Clinton’s wife, Hillary, on the same subject.
Historically, only Harry Truman and Gerald Ford, post-World War II, have testified before congressional committees as former presidents, albeit on less contentious topics. Truman discussed the United Nations charter’s 10th anniversary, while Ford addressed the 200th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution. Clinton, now 79, has refuted any allegations of wrongdoing or knowledge of Epstein’s illicit activities during their association. While Clinton’s representatives acknowledge he flew on Epstein’s private plane four times, there are reports indicating a higher frequency of trips, which may be scrutinized during the upcoming questioning.
Clinton has previously stated that there was no contact between him and Epstein after 2005, without providing further details. His spokesperson, Angel Urena, emphasized that Clinton belongs to the group of individuals who severed ties with Epstein before his criminal activities were exposed. Interestingly, Kenneth Starr, who investigated Clinton in the 1990s, appears to have maintained a longer relationship with Epstein, as revealed in recently released files under the Epstein Transparency Act.
During the late 1990s, Clinton faced legal challenges and potential reputation damage, leading to his impeachment following denials of a relationship with Monica Lewinsky. Although he was acquitted of perjury and obstruction of justice charges, Clinton had to negotiate a deal with Starr’s successor to avoid criminal indictment. The contrasts between Clinton and Starr, both prominent figures, were highlighted in media coverage during that period.
The relationship between Starr and Epstein has surfaced in recent revelations, shedding light on their interactions through correspondence until 2018. Clinton has acknowledged limited in-person contact with Epstein between 2001 and 2003. Notably, photos depict Clinton with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, a known associate of Epstein, raising questions about their interactions and connections to the case.
Democrats have raised concerns about the motives behind the committee’s focus on the Clintons, accusing the Republicans of targeting them unfairly. They advocate for testimony from Howard Lutnick, Trump’s commerce secretary, regarding his ties to Epstein. The controversy surrounding Epstein’s associates continues to attract attention and scrutiny, with ongoing debates about the need for further hearings and investigations.