USA Epstein case: Clintons refuse to testify in US Congress
Former US President Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary Clinton have refused to testify in the US Congress regarding the investigation into the case of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In a joint letter to Republican Congressman James R. Comer, Chairman of the Oversight Committee in the US House of Representatives, they declared the subpoenas to be legally invalid and announced their opposition, according to US media.
13.01.2026, 18:45
SDA
In their letter, the Clintons stated that the time had come for them to fight - "regardless of the consequences". They accused Comer of pursuing politically motivated proceedings that are "literally designed to end in our imprisonment". They were convinced that "any reasonable person" would recognize that the aim was to punish political opponents and protect allies.
The Epstein case
For years, the multimillionaire Epstein from New York ran an abuse ring that victimized dozens of young women and minors. Over several years, he also allegedly abused minors himself in New York and Florida. Epstein died in prison in 2019 at the age of 66, before a possible further conviction could have taken place.
The financier had excellent contacts in high society, which led to numerous speculations about the extent of the scandal. Again and again, the question arose as to which prominent personalities might have been involved in Epstein's machinations. Just over a month ago, a law was finally passed ordering the publication of the files, which US President Donald Trump had long resisted.
Trump shifted focus to the Clintons
Since then, Trump has repeatedly tried to draw attention to Bill Clinton. Among other things, he stated that he had been on a private island owned by Epstein. A spokesperson for Clinton had repeatedly criticized the focus on the Clintons. There are two groups of people, Angel Urena wrote on X in December. A first group that knew nothing and broke off the relationship with Epstein before his criminal acts came to light. And a second group that continued their relationship with him afterwards. "We belong to the first group."
Comer had threatened the Clintons with proceedings for contempt of Congress if they did not appear for questioning. The two pointed out that they had already submitted affidavits and stated that they had no relevant knowledge. Their attorneys argue that the subpoenas serve no legitimate legislative purpose and violate constitutional limits on congressional investigations.
