House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) has intensified the investigation into the Jeffrey Epstein case by mandating that Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton appear for depositions in December. Chairman Comer, who first issued subpoenas to the Clintons in August, has been persistent in seeking their testimonies, rejecting a proposal by their attorney for a written statement earlier this month.
In a letter to the Clintons' attorney, Comer expressed that the committee seeks to understand their personal associations with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, rather than their official functions. Scheduled deposition times are 10 a.m. on December 17 for Bill Clinton and the following day at the same time for Hillary Clinton.
Legal analysts suggest that the Clintons may invoke executive privilege, although its relevance to personal matters remains ambiguous. The inquiry into the Clintons' relationship with Epstein has resurged in light of the recent release of 23,000 emails, texts, and documents involving Epstein. These communications have disclosed interactions with notable individuals, including former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Epstein's connections to the Clintons have been well-documented, such as his attendance at Chelsea Clinton's wedding in 2010 and Bill Clinton's multiple trips on Epstein's private jet. Additionally, prior to Epstein's 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor, Hillary Clinton's campaign benefited from his financial contributions.
While several former officials complied with the August subpoenas through written statements, only former Attorney General Bill Barr has provided a deposition. Epstein, who was indicted on federal sex trafficking charges in July 2019, died in his jail cell a month later. The Justice Department has concluded that no other parties could be reasonably charged in the matter.
Chairman Comer remains determined to bring the Clintons in for questioning, emphasizing the potential unique insights they could provide into Epstein's network. Failure to comply with the subpoenas could result in contempt proceedings, as indicated by a bipartisan agreement on the necessity of their testimonies.
