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The House Oversight Committee issued subpoenas to former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and eight former federal officials connected to the decades-long Jeffrey Epstein investigation. Chairman James Comer, a Republican from Kentucky, confirmed that depositions will begin this month and run into October. The decision follows renewed pressure on Congress to examine how federal agencies handled the Epstein case and to release sealed files that the Department of Justice has declined to make public.
Alongside the Clintons, the House Oversight Committee also sent subpoenas to six former U.S. attorneys general and two former FBI directors. Those compelled to appear include Merrick Garland, Loretta Lynch, Eric Holder, Alberto Gonzales, Jeff Sessions, William Barr, James Comey, and Robert Mueller. Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, who had ties to Epstein, was not named but has been mentioned in public statements by President Donald Trump.
Why the House Oversight Committee Opened the Epstein Probe
The House Oversight Committee launched its investigation after Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that the Justice Department had concluded its review of Epstein records and found no incriminating client list or evidence of blackmail. That statement sparked backlash across party lines, with many questioning why sealed files would remain hidden if no further prosecutions were planned. A bipartisan vote in July authorized subpoenas for the DOJ and for individuals with past connections to Epstein, including those present during past plea agreements and investigation phases.
Chairman Comer cited the need to review how the government handled federal sex trafficking cases and whether the Epstein non-prosecution agreement signed in 2007 was lawful or politically influenced. Lawmakers are also looking into the DOJ’s response to Epstein’s death in 2019, which was ruled a suicide. Some members of Congress argue that the federal government failed to adequately investigate high-profile connections to Epstein and ignored evidence that could have led to additional charges.
Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking, was also subpoenaed. Her August deposition has been delayed pending the outcome of her appeal before the Supreme Court. Her lawyers have indicated she is willing to testify if certain protections are granted, though she continues to oppose the release of grand jury transcripts from her criminal case.
Who Did the House Oversight Committee Call to Testify?
According to Comer’s office, testimony will begin on August 18 with former Attorney General William Barr. Sessions is scheduled for August 28, Gonzales for August 26, Lynch for September 19, Holder for September 30, and Garland for October 2. Mueller will appear on September 2, and Comey on October 7. Hillary Clinton has been summoned for October 9, while Bill Clinton’s deposition is set for October 14.
The committee’s letter to Bill Clinton cited multiple meetings with Epstein, including four trips on the financier’s private jet and a documented visit to Epstein’s New York residence in 2002. While Clinton previously denied knowledge of Epstein’s crimes, he has acknowledged those encounters through a spokesperson. Hillary Clinton’s subpoena notes her role as Secretary of State during a period when Epstein continued to operate freely despite prior convictions.
But Will They Finally Release the Epstein Files?
The subpoenas also demand that the DOJ release all documents and communications related to Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. This includes internal memos, plea agreement details, and any exchanges between the DOJ and the White House, including the current and former administrations. The committee warned that if the DOJ does not comply by August 19, further legal action may be considered.
It remains unclear how many of those subpoenaed will comply or testify publicly. Legal experts say individuals may invoke executive privilege or decline to appear under other protections. The committee has not ruled out pursuing contempt charges if necessary.
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