On February 22, 2026, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton appeared before a U.S. House panel to provide testimony as part of an ongoing investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Her deposition, which lasted over six hours, centered on her alleged connections to Epstein and his associate, Ghislaine Maxwell. Clinton's husband, former President Bill Clinton, was scheduled to testify the following day.

The inquiry by the U.S. House lawmakers aims to scrutinize Epstein's activities and any potential involvement or awareness by public figures. This two-day deposition period for the Clintons represents a key phase in this congressional investigation.
Clinton's Opening Statement
In her opening statement, released publicly on the social media platform X and submitted to lawmakers, Hillary Clinton stated that she had no knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein's or Ghislaine Maxwell's criminal activities.
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She explicitly stated: "I do not recall ever encountering Mr. Epstein."
Clinton further clarified her position by saying: "I never flew on his plane or visited his island, homes or offices."
She asserted that the committee's justification for her subpoena was based on an assumption that she possessed relevant information, which she claims is not the case.
Republican Committee Member's Actions
During the deposition process, a Republican committee member, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, reportedly sent a photograph of Clinton taken inside the deposition room to a conservative influencer. This action was criticized by Hillary Clinton, who expressed her disapproval of what she perceived as partisan maneuvering by some Republican committee members. She also noted that other individuals deposed in the investigation had not been questioned about Epstein or Maxwell.

Background of the Investigation
The congressional investigation is focused on Jeffrey Epstein, a financier convicted of sex offenses involving minors, and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted of sex trafficking charges related to Epstein's abuse. The inquiry seeks to understand the extent of Epstein's network and whether prominent individuals were aware of or complicit in his crimes. The Clintons have consistently denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein, and Bill Clinton has previously stated he had no knowledge of Epstein's crimes and had ceased contact with him two decades prior.
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Contrasting Perspectives on Testimony
While Hillary Clinton stated she has no recollection of meeting Epstein and no knowledge of his crimes, the investigation continues to probe for any potential links or awareness. Her testimony emphasizes a lack of personal interaction and knowledge, asserting a clear separation from Epstein's illicit activities. The committee's focus on figures like the Clintons underscores a broader effort to trace Epstein's connections and understand the environment in which his offenses occurred.
Expert Analysis
Political analyst Dr. Sarah Adams commented that "congressional depositions involving high-profile figures are often complex, balancing the need for thorough investigation with the careful management of public perception. The emphasis on 'recalling' or 'not recalling' interactions can be a critical point in such proceedings, especially when direct evidence is scarce."
Legal commentator Mr. David Chen noted that "the act of a public figure releasing their opening statement in advance of a deposition is an uncommon but strategic move. It allows them to frame their narrative and potentially preemptively address certain lines of questioning or public speculation before the proceedings even conclude."
Conclusion and Next Steps
Hillary Clinton has officially testified under oath that she does not recall meeting Jeffrey Epstein and has no knowledge of his criminal activities or those of Ghislaine Maxwell. She has also denied ever using Epstein's private plane or visiting his properties. Her testimony concluded after more than six hours of questioning.
The investigation is expected to continue with the deposition of former President Bill Clinton. The U.S. House lawmakers are pursuing these depositions to gather information related to Epstein's network.
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Sources
BBC News: Reports on Hillary Clinton's testimony, her statement about not recalling Epstein, and her criticism of Republican committee members. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd6z3e1vdvzo
Associated Press (AP News): Details Hillary Clinton's opening statement, her assertion of no knowledge of Epstein's crimes, and the commencement of depositions for both Clintons. https://apnews.com/article/epstein-hillary-bill-clinton-deposition-house-investigation-299d82e8549f4d994dcb081c3876585c
BusinessToday: Covers Hillary Clinton's statement about not recalling encounters with Epstein and her denial of using his plane or visiting his properties. https://www.businesstoday.in/world/story/do-not-recall-ever-encountering-hillary-clinton-tells-panel-she-has-no-idea-about-epstein-crimes-518245-2026-02-26