By Trendsetter Tribune 
Former President Bill Clinton provided a closed-door deposition to the House Oversight Committee on Friday, February 27, 2026, marking a significant moment in the ongoing congressional investigation into the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.
During several hours of testimony, Clinton maintained a consistent defense, asserting that while he had been an associate of the late sex offender, he remained entirely unaware of Epstein’s illicit activities and sex trafficking ring.
Addressing the “Hot Tub” Allegations
One of the more contentious moments of the deposition reportedly involved questions regarding a decades-old photograph purportedly showing Clinton at Epstein’s Caribbean estate.
- The Denial: Clinton testified that he never witnessed any criminal behavior during his interactions with Epstein.
- The Travel: He acknowledged flying on Epstein’s private jet on several occasions for Clinton Foundation business but insisted that his knowledge of Epstein’s private life was nonexistent.
- The Defense: Clinton stated that Epstein was a “charitable donor” who successfully “hid his crimes from everyone” in his social circle.
Bipartisan Reactions to the Testimony
The deposition has drawn mixed reviews from committee members, revealing a sharp partisan divide in how the former president’s cooperation is being perceived.
| Legislator | Stance | Notable Comment |
| Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) | Surprisingly Positive | Stated she has “no reason to believe” Clinton is “hiding the ball” and called him “pretty transparent.” |
| Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA) | Critical of the Process | Argued the committee is “wasting time” and suggested that if the Clintons are being deposed, Donald Trump should be as well. |
| Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) | Skeptical | Expressed doubt over the “I knew nothing” defense, citing the frequency of Clinton’s travel with Epstein. |
The Wider Context of the “Epstein Files”
This testimony comes amid a broader national debate over the release of DOJ documents under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Recent reports have suggested that certain FBI summaries containing unverified allegations against other high-profile figures, including Donald Trump, were withheld from the public release, sparking fresh accusations of a “double standard” in the investigation.
The committee is expected to release a redacted transcript of Clinton’s testimony in the coming weeks.