Former U.S. President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have agreed to testify in the congressional probe into late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, days before a vote on whether to hold them in contempt for previously refusing to appear.
Bill Clinton, who knew Epstein, denies any knowledge of his crimes and says he cut ties two decades ago. Hillary Clinton says she never met Epstein. The depositions will mark the first time a former president testifies before Congress since Gerald Ford in 1983.
The couple had resisted subpoenas, claiming they already provided sworn statements and accusing the committee of partisan motives. On Monday, Clinton’s deputy chief of staff Angel Ureña confirmed they would appear, saying they look forward to setting a precedent “that applies to everyone.”
Consideration of contempt resolutions has been postponed while the committee clarifies the terms of their testimony. Neither has been accused of wrongdoing by Epstein survivors.
Records show Bill Clinton took four trips on Epstein’s private jet in 2002 and 2003, reportedly linked to Clinton Foundation work. Photos released from Epstein’s estate predate his criminal activity, according to the former president’s team.
