The House Oversight Committee has escalated its investigation into the Jeffrey Epstein case by issuing subpoenas to a number of high-profile figures, including former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and her husband, former US President Bill Clinton.
The latest development has reignited public interest in the long-running inquiry into Epstein's sex trafficking operation and the possible failures in how authorities handled the case over two decades.
According to reports, the subpoenas are part of a broader effort to uncover what lawmakers describe as 'critical gaps' in the federal government's enforcement of sex trafficking laws, particularly in relation to Epstein and his former partner, Ghislaine Maxwell.
Who Has Been Subpoenaed So Far?
The committee, led by Chairman James Comer (Republican-Kentucky), has called on a number of former government officials to testify under oath.
The following are the individuals and entities that have been subpoenaed so far.
Former US Government Officials:
- Hillary Clinton – Former Secretary of State
- Bill Clinton – Former President of the United States
- James Comey – Former FBI Director
- Robert Mueller – Former FBI Director
- Merrick Garland – Current US Attorney General
- William Barr – Former US Attorney General
- Jeff Sessions – Former US Attorney General
- Loretta Lynch – Former US Attorney General
- Eric Holder – Former US Attorney General
- Alberto Gonzales – Former US Attorney General
In terms of entities, the US Department of Justice have been requested to release files and internal communications relating to Epstein's case before 19 August.
According to reports, both Clintons are scheduled for depositions in October, with Hillary Clinton expected on the 9th and Bill Clinton on the 14th. While Bill Clinton's previous association with Epstein is widely documented, he has repeatedly denied any knowledge of or involvement of sorts in Epstein's crimes. 'He never visited Epstein's homes and had no knowledge of his crimes,' a spokesperson said in earlier statements.
Democrats Also Pushing for Transparency
Reports suggest that the move to subpoena records and officials has received support from both Republican and Democratic members of the subcommittee. Democratic Representatives Robert Garcia and Summer Lee, who initiated the motion to subpoena the Department of Justice, emphasised the bipartisan effort.
'Today was an important step forward in our fight for transparency regarding the Epstein files and our dedication to seeking justice for the victims,' the two lawmakers said in a joint statement. 'We must continue putting pressure on the Department of Justice until we actually receive every document.'
Who Else Could Be Called?
While no celebrities beyond Bill and Hillary Clinton have been formally named in this latest wave of subpoenas, online speculation continues over whether additional public figures once connected to Epstein could eventually be asked to testify.
Epstein's social and professional circles included many influential individuals from the political landscape and Hollywood as well, though not all had direct involvement in his criminal activities.
For now, the committee has not ruled out further subpoenas as the investigation progresses. However, any potential future witnesses are likely to be determined based on what the retrieved Justice Department records reveal.
What Happens Next?
According to reports, the scheduled depositions will take place between August and October, but it remains to be seen how many of those called will appear before the committee. But more than the focus will be on that, if they do appear, what will they reveal about the Epstein case?
Historically, former presidents and high-ranking officials have rarely been compelled to testify under subpoena, and such efforts are often delayed or contested. However, since this particular case is already a high-profile matter, with even US President Donald Trump's name speculated on the list, the stakes are very high.
As public pressure mounts, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are continuing to push for full disclosure. And with this latest move, it's clear that the Epstein case is firmly back in the political spotlight.
Originally published on IBTimes UK
