1:47 pm - May 7, 2026
Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have reached an agreement with House Republicans to testify in a congressional investigation into Jeffrey Epstein this month, avoiding a potential contempt of Congress vote. The arrangement marks a significant moment as lawmakers compel a former president to testify for the first time in history.
Hillary Clinton will appear before the House Oversight Committee on February 26, with Bill Clinton scheduled to testify the following day on February 27, according to the agreement finalized Tuesday. The closed-door depositions will be transcribed and recorded on video as part of the House committee’s investigation into Epstein, a convicted sex offender who died in a New York jail cell in 2019.
House Epstein Investigation Leads to Historic Testimony
The agreement concludes months of negotiations between the Clintons and Republican lawmakers. House Republicans, with support from several Democrats, had advanced criminal contempt of Congress charges that threatened the Clintons with substantial fines and potential prison time if convicted.
However, House Speaker Mike Johnson indicated Tuesday that efforts to hold them in contempt were now “on pause” following the testimony agreement. Representative James Comer, chair of the House Oversight Committee, stated that Republicans were “trying to figure out how Jeffrey Epstein was able to surround himself with all these rich and powerful people.”
The negotiation process was marked by tension and distrust as both sides wrangled over deposition details. Initially, the Clintons resisted the subpoenas and argued they were invalid, offering instead to submit sworn declarations about their limited knowledge of Epstein’s crimes.
Political Pressure Mounts on the Clintons
Additionally, the political landscape shifted against the Clintons when a younger generation of progressive Democrats showed willingness to support the contempt charges. Nine Democrats out of 21 on the Oversight panel voted to advance charges against Bill Clinton, while three Democrats joined Republicans in supporting charges against Hillary Clinton.
Meanwhile, House Democratic leaders made clear they would not expend significant political capital rallying votes against the contempt resolutions. This lack of support left the Clintons with little choice but to comply with the testimony demands or face severe congressional penalties.
Epstein Connections Under Scrutiny
Bill Clinton, like other high-powered figures including President Donald Trump, had a well-documented relationship with Epstein during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Neither Clinton nor Trump has been credibly accused of wrongdoing in their interactions with the late financier, according to reports.
Both Clintons have maintained they had no knowledge that Epstein was sexually abusing underage girls before prosecutors brought charges against him. The investigation also involves Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s former girlfriend who was convicted of sex trafficking crimes.
In contrast, the Clintons have criticized how Comer has handled the Epstein investigation, arguing he is more focused on their testimony than holding the Trump administration accountable for its handling of Epstein files. Representative Comer indicated he would insist on closed-door testimony with a later transcript release, though he remained open to a public hearing if the Clintons desired one.
Setting a New Precedent
Congress has historically shown deference to former presidents, making this agreement particularly noteworthy. Representative Daniel Goldman, a New York Democrat, suggested the Clintons’ concession sets a precedent for former presidents to comply with congressional subpoenas.
Furthermore, this stands in contrast to Trump’s successful resistance of a congressional subpoena in 2022 from the House committee investigating the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Trump’s attorneys cited legal precedent shielding ex-presidents from congressional testimony requirements, and the committee ultimately withdrew its subpoena.
President Trump commented on the agreement Tuesday, calling the depositions “a shame” and stating he “always liked” Bill Clinton. He also praised Hillary Clinton as a “smart woman” with strong debate skills.
The depositions are scheduled to proceed later this month, with transcripts expected to be released following the closed-door sessions. The timing and format of any potential public hearings remain uncertain pending completion of the initial testimonies.
