Former Attorney General William "Bill" Barr provided testimony to the House Oversight Committee on Monday, unequivocally stating that during his tenure, he observed no evidence implicating then-President Donald Trump in any criminal activities connected to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. This closed-door deposition was part of an expansive investigation into the Epstein case, helmed by Committee Chairman James Comer.
The session, which took place in a private setting, saw Barr assert that President Trump had not offered any input, advice, or direction regarding the proceedings against Epstein, nor regarding the circumstances surrounding his death. A source informed the Daily Caller that Barr was cooperative throughout the deposition, responding to inquiries from both Republican and Democratic members and staffers.
The investigation, launched under Chairman Comer, has seen Barr as the first in a series of former attorneys general to be subpoenaed. This lineup includes Loretta Lynch, Eric Holder, Merrick Garland, Jeff Sessions, and Alberto Gonzales, all of whom are expected to provide insights into their knowledge of Epstein's prosecution, incarceration, or death.
In his testimony, Barr reinforced his belief that Epstein's death was a suicide, a position he has maintained publicly. He also indicated that if any incriminating evidence against Trump existed, it would have likely been disclosed by the Department of Justice under the current Biden administration.
The probe extends beyond former attorneys general, encompassing other high-profile individuals such as former FBI directors James Comey and Robert Mueller, as well as former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. However, the Oversight Committee has retracted its subpoena for Mueller due to his health issues.
Chairman Comer has been vocal about the cooperation from the Department of Justice, noting their agreement to provide Epstein-related documents to the committee. The DOJ informed the committee that the release of these records would begin on Friday, August 22, a development publicly confirmed by Comer through a statement on the Oversight Committee's official social media account.
As the Department of Justice starts to unveil records connected to Epstein, the Oversight Committee is gearing up for additional depositions and the possibility of public hearings later in the year. The next steps involve the scrutiny of the provided documents and the preparation of lawmakers for further testimonies.
The revelation from Barr's deposition significantly impacts the ongoing narrative surrounding the Epstein saga, potentially shifting public perception and affecting the political discourse.
