Former President Bill Clinton told a House panel investigating Jeffrey Epstein that he flew several times on the financier's private jet in the early 2000s but denied ever visiting Epstein's private island or knowing about any crimes.
In his opening statement to lawmakers, made public Friday, Clinton said he had "no knowledge" of Epstein's illegal activities at the time of their contacts and insisted that any travel on Epstein's aircraft was connected to work for the Clinton Foundation and other charitable causes.
He repeated his long‑standing position that he never set foot on Epstein's properties in the U.S. Virgin Islands, New Mexico, or Palm Beach, and that he has not spoken to Epstein since the early 2000s. Clinton also told the committee he regretted his association with Epstein, calling the financier's later crimes "horrific," according to The Guardian.
The closed‑door deposition before the Republican‑led House Oversight Committee marked the first time a former president has been compelled to testify before Congress as part of the renewed scrutiny of Epstein's network.
Clinton appeared one day after former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who similarly told lawmakers she did not recall ever meeting Epstein and had never flown on his plane or visited his island or other residences. Both Clintons had initially resisted the subpoenas before reaching an agreement to sit for private sessions, with video and transcripts expected to be released.
Lawmakers pressed Bill Clinton on flight records that show he used Epstein's jet multiple times in 2002 and 2003, including a humanitarian tour of Africa with other celebrities and aides.
Clinton acknowledged the trips but argued they were fully staffed, included Secret Service protection, and involved no misconduct. A previously released email from Epstein himself, disclosed by the committee last year, stated that Clinton "never ever" went to Epstein's island, contradicting claims amplified by political opponents, including former President Donald Trump, CBC reported.
Republicans on the panel say the interviews with high‑profile figures are meant to map Epstein's contacts and identify any enablers who helped facilitate his sex‑trafficking operation.
So far, the committee has not presented evidence that Bill Clinton participated in or was aware of Epstein's abuse, though members signaled they may seek further testimony from other prominent associates.
Democrats on the committee have accused Republicans of using the inquiry to score political points while avoiding questions about Trump's own past social ties to Epstein, as per the Indian Express.
