Hillary Clinton testified to lawmakers on Thursday in a behind-closed-doors session concerning the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, emphasizing that she has no information regarding his criminal activities and does not recall ever meeting or speaking with him.
In her opening statement, Clinton sharply criticized the House Oversight Committee, calling their focus on her a “distraction” and accusing members of engaging in “partisan political theater.”
She urged the panel to subpoena individuals she says are more central to the matter, including former President Donald Trump, current Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Attorney General Pam Bondi, as well as prosecutors in Florida and New York who approved Epstein’s controversial plea agreements.
“This institutional failure is designed to protect one political party and one public official, rather than to seek truth and justice for the victims and survivors,” Clinton said.
“My heart breaks for the survivors. And I am furious on their behalf.”
Clinton stressed that her testimony does not stem from any connection to Epstein. She stated that she never flew on his plane, visited his island, or met him in any capacity.
She reiterated that her involvement in the probe is solely to encourage a thorough investigation into those she considers more directly linked to Epstein’s network.
The former secretary of state also highlighted her longstanding advocacy against sex trafficking, noting her work in the U.S. and globally to raise awareness about sex crimes.
“Jeffrey Epstein was a heinous individual, but he's far from alone. This is a global scourge with an unimaginable human toll,” she said.
Former President Bill Clinton is scheduled to testify before the committee on Friday. He has acknowledged traveling on Epstein’s plane in the early 2000s in support of the Clinton Foundation but denies any knowledge of or involvement in Epstein’s or Ghislaine Maxwell’s crimes.
Lawmakers plan to provide media updates on Hillary Clinton’s testimony throughout the day. The hearing underscores ongoing congressional scrutiny of Epstein’s criminal network and the responses of political and legal figures connected to the case.