Clintons to Testify in Epstein Investigation as Contempt Vote Looms

Clintons Agree to Testify in House Epstein Investigation

Bill and Hillary Clinton have agreed to testify in the House investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, averting a potential contempt of Congress vote, Tuesday, February 3, 2026. The agreement came after lawyers representing the Clintons informed House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer that the former president and secretary of state “will appear for depositions on mutually agreeable dates,” according to an email reviewed by the Financial Times.

The Clintons also requested assurance from Comer that lawmakers “will not move forward with contempt proceedings.” Contempt of Congress is a criminal offense that carries the possibility of a prison sentence.

This latest development marks a shift in the Clintons’ position, as they had initially refused to appear before the committee investigating the government’s handling of cases involving the late sex offender.

The House panel’s investigation is separate from ongoing Department of Justice probes into Epstein, who died by suicide in a jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. The DoJ recently released millions of previously sealed documents revealing Epstein’s connections to numerous prominent figures in politics and business.

The Clintons have publicly acknowledged a past friendship with Epstein but have consistently denied any involvement in, or knowledge of, his criminal activities.

Last month, Republicans and Democrats on the House Oversight Committee voted to hold the Clintons in contempt, potentially exposing them to criminal charges. A vote in the full House of Representatives had been anticipated as early as Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

Should the House vote to hold the Clintons in contempt, the Department of Justice would then decide whether to pursue criminal charges against them.

Comer did not immediately accept the Clintons’ offer, stating late Monday, February 2, 2026, “The Clintons’ counsel has said they agree to terms, but those terms lack clarity yet again and they have provided no dates for their depositions.”

He added, “The only reason they have said they agree to terms is because the House has moved forward with contempt. I will clarify the terms they are agreeing to and then discuss next steps with my committee members.”

Angel Ureña, a spokesperson for Bill Clinton, accused Comer of not negotiating in “good faith.”

“They told you under oath what they know, but you don’t care,” Ureña said in a post to X. “But the former President and former Secretary of State will be there. They look forward to setting a precedent that applies to everyone.”

The House Oversight Committee has subpoenaed nearly a dozen individuals for depositions in its investigation, including Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell and several former US attorneys-general. Most of those subpoenaed have submitted written statements rather than participating in closed-door hearings.

The Clintons are currently the only individuals facing contempt of Congress charges in connection with this investigation.