Former US President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have agreed to testify before a US House investigation examining the handling of cases involving disgraced financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a spokesman for the ex-president has confirmed. The decision averts a looming vote by lawmakers to hold the couple in contempt of Congress.
The Epstein scandal continues to reverberate through Washington, ensnaring some of the most influential figures in American politics and exposing deep partisan rifts over accountability, transparency, and oversight.
Meanwhile, a federal court is expected to hear arguments on Wednesday seeking to block public access to newly released investigative files linked to Epstein. According to The New York Times, the request follows complaints from victims whose identities were allegedly exposed after the files were published without proper redaction.
The US Department of Justice last week released what it described as the final batch of documents, photographs, and videos related to Epstein, intensifying political scrutiny and adding pressure on President Donald Trump’s administration.
However, the release quickly sparked controversy after lawyers claimed the materials contained unredacted names and personal information of alleged victims.
In a letter to the court, attorneys Brad Edwards and Brittany Henderson of the Florida-based firm Edwards Henderson cited an email included in the release that listed “32 minor child victims, with only one name redacted and 31 left visible.” Another alleged victim reportedly found her full residential address published in the files.
The lawyers urged the court to order an “immediate takedown” of the government website hosting the materials. District Judge Richard M. Berman acknowledged the concerns in a brief order, confirming that a hearing would be held on Wednesday, while noting uncertainty about the scope of judicial intervention.
On Sunday, the Justice Department said it was “working around the clock” to apply further redactions after New York Times journalists discovered dozens of nude images in the files, some clearly showing faces. The newspaper later reported that many of the images had since been removed or obscured.
House Probe and Political Fallout
The House Rules Committee had advanced resolutions accusing the Clintons of defying subpoenas to appear in person and answer questions about their past associations with Epstein, who died in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial.
The couple had initially declined to testify in person, arguing that the subpoenas lacked a clear legislative purpose. However, Clinton spokesman Angel Urena announced on X that both would now comply.
“The former President and former Secretary of State will be there,” Urena said. “They look forward to setting a precedent that applies to everyone.”
Democrats have criticized the probe as politically motivated, arguing it is being used to target perceived opponents of President Trump rather than to conduct legitimate congressional oversight. They note that Trump—who was a longtime acquaintance of Epstein—has not been called to testify.
Trump himself previously sought to block the release of Epstein-related investigative files. Epstein maintained extensive ties with wealthy and powerful individuals for years, cultivating relationships across politics, business, academia, and entertainment.
Neither the Clintons nor Trump has been accused of criminal wrongdoing in connection with Epstein’s crimes.
Republicans argue that the Clintons’ past interactions with Epstein, including Bill Clinton’s flights aboard Epstein’s private jet in the early 2000s, justify in-person testimony under oath.
Until now, the couple had submitted sworn written statements outlining their limited interactions with Epstein and his associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking.
Bill Clinton acknowledged traveling on Epstein’s aircraft for humanitarian missions linked to the Clinton Foundation but said he never visited Epstein’s private island.
Hillary Clinton stated that she had no meaningful contact with Epstein, never flew on his plane, and never visited his island.
Following confirmation that the Clintons would testify, the House Rules Committee on Monday evening suspended plans to proceed with contempt proceedings.
About the Author
