Former US President Bill Clinton recently provided testimony regarding his connections to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein during a congressional hearing. This marks a significant moment as he is the first sitting or former president compelled to testify before Congress. The hearing, which took place in March 2026, included discussions about Clinton’s flights on Epstein’s private jet, known as the “Lolita Express,” as well as photographs taken during past interactions.
Clinton and his wife, Hillary Clinton, who testified the day before, both denied any knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities. They have not faced accusations from Epstein’s victims. During the more than four-hour hearing, Clinton reiterated his lack of awareness regarding Epstein’s actions, stating, “As someone who grew up in a home with domestic abuse, not only would I not have flown on his plane if I had any inkling of what he was doing — I would have turned him in myself and led the call for justice for his crimes, not sweetheart deals.”
Insights from the Hearing
Footage released by the Oversight Committee showed Clinton engaging with various photographs, often smiling or laughing while reviewing them. At approximately one hour and 17 minutes into the hearing, he was handed a document linked to Epstein, which included a printout of an article featuring a photograph. Clinton pointed at it alongside his legal counsel.
The hearing also included a notable moment when Clinton was questioned about a photograph of himself in a hot tub. He explained that he was unaware the photo was being taken, but believed it was taken during a visit to Brunei, where he had been hosted by the Sultan. “The Sultan of Brunei was a man I had gotten to know well in my eight years as president,” he noted.
Clinton also discussed another image from the trip, which depicted him swimming with a woman believed to be Ghislaine Maxwell and another individual whose identity was redacted. He stated he did not know the identity of the woman in the pool but confirmed all individuals present were members of his traveling party.
Trump’s Relationship with Epstein
During the hearing, Clinton was asked about his relationship with current President Donald Trump. He confirmed that Trump “did know [Epstein] well” but added that Trump “never said anything to me to make me think he was involved in anything improper with regard to Epstein.” Clinton recalled a conversation with Trump from around 2002 or 2003, during which Trump stated they had a falling out over a real estate deal.
The Washington Post reported that their fallout involved a property transaction regarding a Palm Beach mansion known as Maison de l’Amitie. Trump has publicly denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein, with his communications director asserting that Trump had expelled Epstein from his club for inappropriate behavior.
Clinton concluded his testimony by reflecting on why he distanced himself from Epstein. He stated that he ended their association in 2003 after finding more suitable donors for his charity, the Clinton Global Initiative. He described Epstein as an “interesting man” but felt he no longer contributed meaningfully to the initiative.
The hearing also addressed allegations that Clinton attempted to suppress a Vanity Fair article concerning Epstein. With a smile, Clinton firmly denied these claims, responding with a light-hearted “hell no.”
The testimony of both Clintons has drawn significant media attention, with Hillary Clinton’s hearing being disrupted due to a leaked photo from inside the deposition. She expressed frustration over the breach of confidentiality, stating, “I am done with this. If you guys are doing that, I am done.” Following the incident, she called for a full release of the deposition video and transcript, emphasizing the need for transparency in the process.
