House Oversight Committee Questions Bill and Hillary Clinton on Epstein Ties

The House Oversight Committee released video on Monday of closed-door depositions from Bill and Hillary Clinton as a part of the panel's Jeffrey Epstein investigation.

For Context: The Clintons initially declined to testify and were threatened with contempt of Congress. They then agreed to testify; each faced over four hours of questioning.

Framing of Demeanor: Outlets across the spectrum described the Clintons' demeanors as uneasy. The New York Times (Lean Left bias) said Hillary looked like she "did not want to be there" and that "her answers and body language dripped with disdain." The New York Post (Lean Right) said the "dramatic" footage showed "a frustrated Hillary Clinton" who "got into epic shouting matches." The Post also said Bill's "hands were shaking throughout his deposition." CNN (Lean Left) said Bill looked "calmer" than Hillary.

Epstein Funding: Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) asked Hillary whether she tried to solicit money from Epstein for her presidential campaign, referencing an email where Howard Lutnick invited him to one of her fundraisers in 2015. Hillary said she met Lutnick after "he lost scores of his employees" on September 11, 2001. The New York Post suggested Mace, with the question, was implying "that Hillary wasn't being honest when she said she didn't know Epstein."

Photos of Bill: CNN highlighted questioning from Mace, who asked Hillary about photos of Bill with women while on trips with Epstein. CNN said "Mace repeatedly goaded" Hillary, who said several times she wouldn't speculate or share such "opinions."

Businesslike Relationship: Bill said his relationship with Epstein was cordial, and that while friendly the two did not know each other enough to be considered friends. Bill explained that he used Epstein's airplane for trips, saying Epstein agreed to let him use the plane "if I agreed to talk to him for an hour about economics and politics" and denied engaging in any sexual conduct with women Epstein introduced to him.

Bill and Trump: Bill said that now-President Donald Trump mentioned his falling out with Epstein during a charity golf tournament 20 years ago and that he "never said anything to me to make me think he was involved in anything improper." The New York Times said House Democrats are trying to use Clinton's testimony as a precedent to force Trump to testify, adding that "Mr. Clinton did not exactly help their case." 

Epstein's Birthday Book: Bill was asked about sending Epstein a letter for his 50th birthday in 2003, and responded saying he has written "hundreds and hundreds" of birthday greetings over the years. CNN said Bill acknowledged authoring the note "while downplaying it" and also mentioned that Trump "denied authoring a letter" that appeared in Epstein's birthday album.

Pizzagate: Several outlets noted that Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) asked Hillary if she reviewed files that some online had connected to the Pizzagate theory. Hillary said that "Pizzagate was totally made up" and "an outrageous allegation that ended up hurting a number of people."

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