Clintons refuse closed-door depositions in GOP Epstein probe, face contempt

Bill and Hillary Clinton declined to appear for closed-door depositions requested by the Republican-led House Oversight Committee, setting up a confrontation that Republicans say will proceed to contempt and possible criminal referral. The refusals were communicated in letters to Oversight Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) and by the Clintons’ lawyers to committee investigators.

Their attorneys argued the subpoenas are legally invalid and unenforceable and described the inquiry as partisan and designed to harass and embarrass political opponents. In a personal letter to Chairman Comer, the couple wrote, in part: “Every person has to decide when they have seen or had enough and are ready to fight for this country, its principles and its people, no matter the consequences. For us, now is that time.” Committee exchanges reported in the media indicate the Clintons have provided written statements and have signaled a willingness to testify in public, open hearings as an alternative to closed-door depositions.

Chairman Comer announced plans to pursue contempt proceedings after former President Bill Clinton did not appear for a scheduled deposition on Tuesday. Comer said the committee will meet next week to hold Bill Clinton in contempt and indicated the panel will begin contempt proceedings against Hillary Clinton if she also fails to appear for her planned deposition. Comer framed the request for testimony as seeking answers about the Clintons’ past ties to Jeffrey Epstein and said “most Americans” want Bill Clinton to answer questions. Committee officials warned that contempt referrals could be forwarded to prosecutors and could lead to criminal charges if pursued.

Republicans on the committee have cited material in files released by the Justice Department showing contacts between Epstein and public figures, saying Epstein visited the White House 17 times while Bill Clinton was in office and that the former president flew on Epstein’s private plane some 27 times. Photographs released by the Justice Department showing Epstein traveling with Clinton have been widely reported. Bill Clinton has publicly expressed regret about his relationship with Epstein and has said he knew nothing about Epstein’s criminal activity. To date no public evidence has been produced that either Bill or Hillary Clinton engaged in sex trafficking.

The dispute over testimony is occurring against a backdrop of controversy about how Justice Department files tied to criminal probes of Epstein have been released under a congressional transparency law. Critics and some lawmakers have accused Republicans of selectively handling or timing releases to emphasize documents involving particular political figures. Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna and Republican Rep. Thomas Massie have asked a federal judge to appoint a neutral expert to oversee the releases, saying they have urgent concerns about compliance and alleging possible criminal violations in the process.

The immediate outcome will hinge on whether the Oversight Committee succeeds in a contempt vote and whether House leaders or prosecutors act on any referral. The confrontation raises questions about the limits of congressional inquiry, the enforceability of subpoenas for former presidents and senior officials, and the political calculus of pursuing highly sensitive testimony in a polarized environment. As the committee prepares to move forward, the broader legal and institutional handling of the Justice Department releases and the committee’s tactics will shape public confidence in congressional oversight and the rule of law.