Clintons Reject Subpoenas in Epstein Inquiry, Call It Partisan Attack

Bill and Hillary Clinton have officially refused to comply with subpoenas issued by the House Oversight Committee as part of the ongoing investigation into the activities of Jeffrey Epstein. The couple, prominent figures in American politics for over three decades, sent a pointed letter to the committee this week, denouncing the inquiry as a tactic of “partisan politics.” They argue that the subpoenas represent a legally invalid attempt to damage their reputations.

The situation escalated on January 13, 2026, when former President Bill Clinton did not attend a scheduled deposition at the Capitol. In response, House Oversight Chair James Comer, a Republican from Kentucky, threatened to pursue contempt of Congress proceedings against the Clintons. This confrontation unfolds against the backdrop of the recent release of extensive documents by the Justice Department, which included photographs that have reignited public scrutiny regarding Clinton’s connections to Epstein.

For months, the House Oversight Committee has sought to compel the Clintons to testify about their historical relationship with Epstein and his associate, Ghislaine Maxwell. Although Bill Clinton has acknowledged flying on Epstein’s private jet for charitable work, he has consistently denied any involvement in Epstein’s criminal activities. The committee’s determination intensified following the late 2025 document release, which reportedly featured images of Clinton with Maxwell in casual settings, including one that shows him in a jacuzzi.

In their lengthy letter of defiance, the Clintons claimed to have already provided all pertinent information in their possession. They accused the committee of deliberately targeting them while allowing other witnesses to avoid accountability. “Every person has to decide when they have seen or had enough and are ready to fight for this country, its principles and its people, no matter the consequences,” they stated. “For us, now is that time.”

The Clintons’ legal counsel, led by attorney David Kendall, alleged that the investigation has become politically motivated, designed to shield powerful individuals from scrutiny. Kendall pointed out that of the nine individuals originally subpoenaed in this latest round, seven were dismissed without testifying. The Clintons emphasized this disparity, noting that the committee has only interviewed two individuals since the investigation commenced last year. In their letter, they expressed that “there is no plausible explanation for what you are doing other than partisan politics.”

As the 83rd Golden Globes and other major events capture public attention, the political landscape in Washington appears increasingly fraught for the former First Couple. Should Chair Comer follow through on his threat of contempt proceedings, the Clintons could face a lengthy legal battle, potentially reaching the Supreme Court. Criminal contempt of Congress is classified as a federal misdemeanor, carrying fines of up to $100,000 and possible imprisonment for up to one year. The Clintons characterized this process as being “literally designed to result in our imprisonment.”

By refusing to testify, the Clintons are directly challenging the oversight authority of a Republican-led Congress during a critical election year. Meanwhile, survivors of Epstein’s abuse continue to seek a complete accounting of how he managed to operate within elite circles for so long. For Comer and his supporters, the pursuit of “truth and justice” necessitates that the Clintons answer questions under oath. Conversely, the Clintons dismiss the inquiry as a “distraction and obfuscation campaign” intended to protect their rivals.

As the deadline for Hillary Clinton’s scheduled deposition approaches, the responsibility now lies with the committee to determine their next steps. The unfolding drama encapsulates the intersection of politics, power, and the enduring legacy of figures at the heart of the Epstein saga.