What's happened
As of January 20, 2026, House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer is set to hold Bill and Hillary Clinton in contempt of Congress for refusing to testify about their ties to Jeffrey Epstein. The Clintons have denounced the subpoenas as politically motivated and legally invalid. Comer insists the committee seeks answers, not accusations, amid ongoing investigations into Epstein's network.
What's behind the headline?
Political Weaponization and Legal Complexity
The contempt proceedings against the Clintons highlight the increasing politicization of congressional investigations. While the committee, led by Republican James Comer, frames its inquiry as a pursuit of truth regarding Epstein's network, the Clintons accuse the process of being a partisan attack designed to damage political opponents. This dynamic underscores a broader trend where legal mechanisms are leveraged for political gain.
The Epstein Investigation's Broader Implications
Epstein's death in 2019 left many questions unanswered about the extent of his connections to powerful figures. The committee's focus on the Clintons, while excluding attempts to subpoena sitting President Donald Trump, reveals selective targeting that fuels accusations of bias. The Justice Department's slow release of Epstein-related files, amid bipartisan concerns about transparency, adds to the complexity.
Forecasting Outcomes
The contempt vote is likely to pass given the Republican majority, but prosecution depends on the Department of Justice's willingness to act. The Clintons' refusal to testify and their public denunciations will deepen partisan divides. This saga will continue to dominate political discourse, influencing public perceptions of congressional oversight and justice.
Impact on Public Trust
This investigation and its handling will affect public trust in both political institutions and the justice system. The perception of fairness and impartiality is crucial; without it, investigations risk being dismissed as political theater, undermining accountability efforts.
What the papers say
Annie Karni of The New York Times reports that after days of negotiation, the Clintons rejected an offer to be interviewed under oath in New York, prompting Comer to proceed with a contempt vote. The Independent's Eric Garcia highlights Comer's announcement to hold the Clintons in criminal contempt for refusing to comply with subpoenas related to Epstein. The Independent's Joe Sommerlad adds context on the broader investigation, noting Trump's documented flights on Epstein's plane and the political tensions involved. The New York Post details the Clintons' written declaration accusing Comer of targeting them unfairly and releasing embarrassing photos, while Al Jazeera and France 24 emphasize the Clintons' claims that the investigation is politically motivated and legally invalid. Sky News and The Times of Israel underscore Comer’s insistence that no wrongdoing is alleged, only questions, and note the committee's selective approach, excluding attempts to subpoena President Trump. These sources collectively illustrate a highly charged political and legal battle with significant implications for congressional oversight and public trust.
How we got here
The Clintons were subpoenaed by the Republican-led House Oversight Committee to testify about their relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender who died in 2019. After refusing to appear for depositions scheduled in January 2026, the committee moved to hold them in contempt of Congress, a rare and politically charged step that could lead to criminal prosecution.
Go deeper
- What are the legal consequences if the Clintons are held in contempt?
- Why is the committee focusing on the Clintons and not President Trump?
- How does this investigation affect public trust in Congress?
More on these topics
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Jeffrey Edward Epstein was an American financier and convicted sex offender. He began his professional life as a teacher but then switched to the banking and finance sector in various roles, working at Bear Stearns before forming his own firm.
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Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton is an American politician, diplomat, lawyer, writer, and public speaker who served as the 67th United States Secretary of State from 2009 to 2013, as a United States Senator from New York from 2001 to 2009, and as First Lady o
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James Richardson Comer Jr. is an American politician from the Commonwealth of Kentucky who currently represents the state's 1st congressional district in the United States House of Representatives.
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William Jefferson Clinton is an American politician who served as the 42nd president of the United States from 1993 to 2001. Prior to the presidency, he was the governor of Arkansas from 1979 to 1981, and again from 1983 to 1992, and the attorney general
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Ghislaine Noelle Marion Maxwell is a British socialite, known for her association with financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.