Washington (The Palestine Telegraph Newspaper) February 05, 2026 - Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has called on House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer to hold a public hearing regarding the Jeffrey Epstein probe. This follows the scheduling of closed-door depositions for her and former President Bill Clinton on February 26 and 27, respectively. The development comes after months of negotiations and threats of contempt proceedings.
Hillary Clinton posted on the social media platform X on Thursday morning, stating that she and Bill Clinton had engaged with Republicans on the Oversight Committee in good faith for six months. She claimed they provided information under oath, which was ignored, and accused the committee of moving the goalposts.
In her post, Clinton challenged Comer directly, saying,
"If you want this fight, Rep. James Comer, let's have it—in public."
She emphasised transparency, noting,
"There's nothing more transparent than a public hearing, cameras on. We will be there."
Background of House Oversight Epstein Investigation
The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform launched its investigation into the crimes of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. On July 23, 2025, Republicans and Democrats on the Federal Law Enforcement Subcommittee unanimously approved subpoenas for ten individuals, including Bill and Hillary Clinton.
Chairman James Comer issued the subpoenas on August 5, 2025. Initial deposition dates for both Clintons were set for October 2025 but postponed at their request due to funerals. The committee offered flexibility for January 2026 dates, which they declined.
Follow-on subpoenas scheduled Bill Clinton for January 13, 2026, and Hillary Clinton for January 14, 2026. Neither appeared, prompting the committee to advance contempt resolutions.
Negotiations and Contempt Threats
On January 21, 2026, Oversight Committee Republicans and Democrats voted to recommend contempt of Congress findings against both Clintons for defying the subpoenas.
Late last month, nine Democrats joined all Republicans in advancing Bill Clinton's contempt resolution to a full House vote. Three Democrats supported advancing Hillary Clinton's resolution.
Contempt proceedings would have referred the Clintons to the Department of Justice for potential criminal prosecution. Comer stated the committee moved swiftly once non-compliance became clear.
Clintons Agree to Closed-Door Depositions
Chairman Comer announced on February 2, 2026, that the Clintons agreed to transcribed, filmed depositions after delaying for six months. Hillary Clinton is scheduled for February 26, 2026, and Bill Clinton for February 27, 2026.
Comer described the agreement as the Clintons "caving" once contempt votes loomed. He noted bipartisan support on the committee, stating no one is above the law.
The depositions will occur in person on Capitol Hill. Comer intends to release the videos and transcripts publicly after completion.
Hillary Clinton's Legal Team Response
The Clintons' attorneys sent a letter to Comer on Tuesday, accusing him of introducing new video recording stipulations at the last minute. They had consented to depositions under prior conditions.
The lawyers proposed a public hearing as an alternative, stating it would address fairness concerns. They argued answers could be judged by the public.
Hillary Clinton's X posts echoed this, alleging Comer ignored their good-faith efforts and turned the process into distraction.
Comer's Position on Public Hearing
Comer has rejected calls for a public hearing, insisting on "sit-down depositions" as subpoenaed. In a Wednesday Newsmax interview, he said depositions are the preferred method for obtaining facts.
He described congressional hearings as potentially entertaining but unproductive, with members interrupting. Comer noted his committee's diverse membership could disrupt questioning.
Comer believes public release of deposition videos and transcripts achieves transparency. He suggested the Clintons could request a committee hearing if desired post-deposition.
Context of Epstein Probe and Clinton Ties
The probe examines Epstein's and Maxwell's crimes, including child sex trafficking. Maxwell is serving 20 years in prison for her role.
Committee releases included photos from Epstein's estate, such as one of Bill Clinton with Epstein and Maxwell.
Subpoenas target information related to Epstein's network. Comer aims to deliver accountability for victims.
Committee Bipartisan Actions
The subpoena approval in July 2025 was unanimous in subcommittee. Contempt advancements garnered Democratic support.
Comer highlighted bipartisan clarity that no one is exempt from subpoenas.
Depositions proceed amid these cross-party votes.