Bill and Hillary Clinton, for their part, have thrown down a gauntlet. They have formally stonewalled on subpoenas issued from the populist, Republican-led House oversight committee, which has been investigating their ties to the late billionaire, Jeffrey Epstein. This decision is the result of a nail-biting investigation into Epstein’s operations. It further explores his complex relationships with influential friends and political allies, including former President Bill Clinton.
Clearly, Bill Clinton established a relationship with Epstein in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Now, his multifaceted ties to the convicted sex offender have been subjected to laser-focus scrutiny. In 2008, Epstein entered into a controversial non-prosecution agreement for federal charges, pleading guilty to state prostitution solicitation charges, including minors. This request became a major turning point in his legal ordeal. It was only when photographs began to circulate that the public learned just how close the Clintons were to Epstein. These photos featured the former US president Bill Clinton cavorting with Epstein in a jacuzzi and swimming pool.
Back in August, the House oversight committee subpoenaed none other than Bill Clinton. He is now legally required to explain his relationship with Epstein under an oath. Hillary Clinton was similarly subpoenaed. In retaliation, the Clintons attacked the chair of the committee, James Comer, alleging that he’d been a failure in his investigation. They criticized the fact that the committee interviewed only two witnesses, Alexander Acosta and William Barr. At the same time, they dismissed testimony from seven other former senior government officials who were issued subpoenas.
“Bringing the Republicans’ cruel agenda to a standstill while you work harder to pass a contempt charge against us than you have done on your investigation this past year would be our contribution to fighting the madness,” – Clintons
The Clintons’ legal team describes the subpoenas as “invalid and legally unenforceable.” They claim, among other things, that the subpoenas don’t even attempt to target relevant information and breach the separation of powers established by the Supreme Court of the United States. They argued that the subpoenas have no legitimate legislative purpose and are unnecessary.
Chairman James Comer wants to press ahead nonetheless, despite the cloud cast over the investigation by this internal feud. He wants to find Bill Clinton in contempt for failing to respond to the subpoena. Even by the Clintons’ and congressional Republicans’ 1990s standards, this standoff represented an extraordinary level of ongoing resentment.
Sara Guerrero, an oversight committee member, has previously commented on the dire situation, urging collaboration as their key to progress.
“Cooperating with Congress is important and the committee should continue working with President Clinton’s team to obtain any information that might be relevant to our investigation,” – Sara Guerrero
So the investigation into Epstein’s widespread trafficking network has generated healthy political and public will. In November, a coalition of House lawmakers from both parties made their move. They were able to pass federal legislation to release all government files related to Epstein, demanding more transparency in the case. The Justice Department recently released a memo stating that its investigation into Epstein is now closed, raising questions about the handling of such a high-profile case.
In the face of these events, Bill Clinton has repeatedly and unequivocally denied being aware of Epstein’s felonious pursuits. He is particularly keen to explain his relationship with industry. He is unyielding in his insistence that he will only testify under the right circumstances.