WASHINGTON — Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are in a standoff with House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer, R-Ky., over the format of testimony the panel is seeking in its investigation into the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The Clintons’ legal team wrote to Comer offering public testimony before the committee at two hearings this month, according to portions of the letter shared with NBC News. The letter said Hillary Clinton would testify before the panel on Feb. 26 and Bill Clinton on Feb. 27, and while they would be available for depositions on those dates, they preferred open hearings.
“Though you have notably never asked the Clintons to appear in an open hearing, we now believe that will best suit our concerns about fairness,” the letter said. “Their answers, and your questions, can be seen by all to be judged accordingly.”
After the Clintons told Comer they would testify publicly, Comer issued a statement saying the two had agreed to appear for transcribed, recorded depositions this month — proceedings conducted behind closed doors. “We look forward to questioning the Clintons as part of our investigation into the horrific crimes of Epstein and Maxwell, to deliver transparency and accountability for the American people and for survivors,” Comer said, referring to Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s co‑conspirator.
Hillary Clinton spokesman Nick Merrill posted on X, “At the 11th hour, James Comer asked for a camera, that’s fine. He can have 1,000 cameras. The Clintons will do this publicly.” Angel Ureña, the former president’s spokesman, reposted Merrill’s message. Ureña also responded to a Comer letter on X saying the couple “negotiated in good faith. You did not,” and adding, “They told you under oath what they know, but you don’t care. But the former President and former Secretary of State will be there. They look forward to setting a precedent that applies to everyone.”
Comer told reporters the Clintons had agreed to “the rules of a standard deposition, so they’re not going to be treated any differently than anyone else,” and said if something meaningful arises during the deposition — which he noted would be recorded — Republicans could host the Clintons for a public hearing.
Asked about the planned deposition, President Trump said, “I think it’s a shame, to be honest.” He added positive remarks about Hillary Clinton’s debating ability, calling her “a very capable woman” and “a smart woman.”
The former first couple has been trying to reach an agreement with the Oversight Committee to avert a Republican‑led House vote to hold them both in contempt of Congress. The committee had given the Clintons until noon ET Tuesday to comply with its subpoena as part of the Epstein probe. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., warned that the House would proceed with a floor vote to hold the Clintons in contempt if they failed to cooperate. The Oversight panel voted last month to recommend holding them in contempt.
It is extraordinarily rare for sitting or former presidents to testify before Congress; Gerald R. Ford was the last former president to do so in 1983, when he testified before a Senate subcommittee.
Bill Clinton has said he was unaware of Epstein’s crimes, has denied any wrongdoing and has said he cut ties with Epstein before Epstein was charged in 2006 with having sex with a minor. Undated photos of the former president have appeared in some of the Epstein files released by the Justice Department. Meanwhile, Merrill said in December, “Since this started, we’ve been asking what the hell Hillary Clinton has to do with this, and he hasn’t been able to come up with an answer.”