Hillary Clinton Denies Epstein Meeting in Deposition

Hillary Clinton Testifies She Never Met Jeffrey Epstein

Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has stated under oath that she has no recollection of ever meeting convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Appearing before a congressional committee, Clinton testified that her husband, former President Bill Clinton’s, association with Epstein concluded years before the latter’s criminal activities came to light. Bill Clinton himself is scheduled to testify, with his connection to Epstein prominently featured in recently released Department of Justice files. While President Donald Trump is also mentioned in these files, he has not been subpoenaed.

Expert Analysis on Clinton’s Testimony

Scott Lucas, Professor of American Studies at University College Dublin’s Clinton Institute for American Studies, commented on Hillary Clinton’s statement. “I think the records and the witnesses bear her out that beyond a couple of photographs of the Clintons with uh Jeffrey Epstein and Jen Maxwell at large social occasions uh in New York in the early 21st century. you know, there’s no evidence that Clinton um even had a significant conversation with Epstein,” Lucas stated. He emphasized that while Bill Clinton did have interactions with Epstein, including travel on his private jet, which he stated was for the Clinton Foundation’s humanitarian projects, there is no evidence of Bill Clinton’s involvement in Epstein’s financial crimes or pedophilia prior to Epstein’s 2008 conviction in Florida. Furthermore, Lucas noted there’s no evidence of any relationship between Bill Clinton and Epstein after that date.

“There is though I must emphasize no evidence that Bill Clinton had any involvement with any of Epstein’s financial or pedophilia uh financial crimes or pedophilia before 2008 when Epstein was convicted in Florida. And there is no evidence that Bill Epstein maintained any type of relationship with Epstein after that date.”

Scott Lucas, Professor of American Studies

Ghislaine Maxwell’s Presence and Context

Regarding Ghislaine Maxwell, Lucas clarified her connection to the Clintons. “I think the one thing that put it on the record in a need for context is that Hillary Clinton was in contact with Julen Maxwell after 2008. But it’s important to note that when Jalan Maxwell attended Chelsea Clinton’s wedding in 2010, it was only as a plus one, not as an invited guest. And that when Jalan Maxwell was at the Clinton Global Initiative meeting in 2013, she was one of hundreds of invited guests.” Lucas concluded that there is no significant relationship between the Clintons, Epstein, and Maxwell, and doubts any significant new information will emerge even with the full release of the Epstein files.

Anticipation for Bill Clinton’s Testimony

All attention is now focused on Bill Clinton’s upcoming testimony. While he has not been accused of wrongdoing in his association with Epstein, expectations for significant revelations are tempered. Lucas suggested that Bill Clinton’s testimony might echo Hillary Clinton’s, describing the questioning from committee Republicans as “long and repetitive.” He noted that House Republicans reportedly ran out of substantial questions, resorting to inquiries about UFOs and the Pizzagate conspiracy theory. “I’ll be very surprised when that transcript comes out if there’s anything significant,” Lucas stated, adding that significant information is likely contained within the millions of pages of Epstein files that the White House has yet to release or has heavily redacted.

Journalistic Perspective on the Deposition

Alana Shore, Senior Washington Editor at Semaphore, shared her insights. “Mrs. Clinton was expected to say something like this. There’s no proof that she did have any knowledge of Epstein’s crimes,” Shore said. She highlighted the combative nature of the deposition between Hillary Clinton and Republicans, viewing it as a preview of the potentially more heated testimony from Bill Clinton. Shore characterized the day’s events as “a lot of theater,” with Hillary Clinton’s statement, “I never met Mr. Epstein and I have no knowledge,” being accurate.

Disruption and Political Strategy

Shore also pointed out a notable disruption during the deposition: a pause caused by Republican Congresswoman Lauren Boebert leaking a photograph of Hillary Clinton, originally posted by a conservative blogger. This incident led to Clinton temporarily leaving the room. The Clintons had initially requested their testimony be made public, a move Republicans opposed. Shore suggested this opposition was strategic, potentially aimed at creating embarrassing situations, like the leaked photo, to damage Clinton’s reputation, given she remains a significant political target for the Republican party.

“Mrs. Clinton was expected to say something like this. There’s no proof that she did have any knowledge of Epstein’s crimes.”

Alana Shore, Senior Washington Editor

Distraction Tactic Allegations

Democrats contend that Republicans are using these subpoenas as a distraction from evidence within the Epstein files that implicates Donald Trump and his associates. Shore believes this narrative resonates with the public. “Yes, I think so. I think it’s an article of faith in America that Donald Trump is the most exposed politician in the Epstein files,” she stated. While Trump’s supporters focus on Bill Clinton’s ties to Epstein, Shore noted that Trump’s proximity to Epstein is seen as more significant politically.

Potential Future Subpoenas and Document Issues

Regarding further subpoenas, Shore mentioned Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick as a potential figure of interest. Lutnick has faced scrutiny for reportedly telling a podcaster he cut ties with Epstein, only to later admit to lawmakers that he and his family visited Epstein’s island. Republicans have not ruled out subpoenaing him. The Department of Justice is also investigating reports of its failure to release certain documents, including allegations against Trump. This stems from a blogger’s report, amplified by major outlets like The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, concerning an interview with a woman alleging sexual assault by Trump when she was younger. The FBI did interview this woman, and the related materials were missing from the initial Epstein file release, prompting acknowledgment from the DOJ.

Looking Ahead

As Bill Clinton prepares to testify, the focus remains on what new information, if any, will emerge from the ongoing release and scrutiny of the Epstein files. The political ramifications and potential impact on future investigations and public perception will be closely watched, particularly concerning the transparency of the released documents and any further actions taken against individuals named in the files.

Source: 'Never met Jeffrey Epstein': What happened during Hillary Clinton's closed-door deposition? (YouTube)