The Clintons agreed to testify about Epstein, and what Hillary just told makes it clear they’re not going down quietly

Hillary Clinton has accused the Trump administration of running a “cover-up” over the handling of files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. She made the claim just days before she and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, are due to testify before Congress about their own ties to Epstein.

Speaking from Berlin, where she attended the annual World Forum, Clinton told the BBC that the administration needs to “Get the files out. They are slow-walking it.” She also called for their congressional hearing to be held in public rather than behind closed doors, saying, “We will show up but we think it would be better to have it in public.”

Bill Clinton is scheduled to testify on February 27, and Hillary Clinton the day before, on February 26. This will be the first time a former US president has testified before a congressional panel since Gerald Ford did so in 1983. The couple’s agreement to testify came after they initially refused to appear, which had put them at risk of being held in contempt of Congress.

The Clintons say they have nothing to hide, but Republicans are not convinced

You can read more about how the Clintons agreed to face punishment for defying the House before they finally agreed to show up. Hillary Clinton defended their position clearly: “We have nothing to hide. We have called for the full release of these files repeatedly. We think sunlight is the best disinfectant.”

She also argued that she and her husband are being used as a distraction from President Trump, saying, “Look at this shiny object. We’re going to have the Clintons, even Hillary Clinton, who never met the guy.” She insisted that the process should be fair: “I just want it to be fair. I want everybody treated the same way.”

Republican committee chair James Comer has accused the Clintons of “delay,” claiming they only “caved” once the threat of a contempt vote became real. President Trump, who is also mentioned in the Epstein files, pushed back at Clinton’s “cover-up” claim. 

Speaking aboard Air Force One, he said, “I’ve been exonerated. I had nothing to do with Jeffrey Epstein,” and added, “Clinton and many other Democrats have been pulled in.” The White House said that by releasing thousands of pages and cooperating with the committee’s subpoena request, the Trump administration has done “more for the victims than Democrats ever have.” 

The Department of Justice (DoJ) released millions of new files earlier this month, fulfilling a law passed by Congress. However, lawmakers argue the release is not enough. While the DoJ says it has released everything required by law, it has acknowledged that three million pages were withheld because they contain personal medical files, graphic depictions of child abuse, or material that could affect ongoing investigations. 

Even Thomas Massie, a co-writer of the transparency law, has called on the DoJ to release internal memos showing past decisions on whether to charge Epstein and his associates. Both Clintons have denied any wrongdoing or knowledge of Epstein’s crimes. Bill Clinton, who appears in the files, has said he cut off contact with Epstein two decades ago. 

Hillary Clinton, whose confirmed net worth and financial background has been a topic of public interest, confirmed she met Epstein’s convicted associate Ghislaine Maxwell “on a few occasions.” Neither Clinton has been accused of wrongdoing by Epstein’s survivors. When asked about Prince Andrew, who is also facing pressure from US officials to testify, Hillary Clinton said simply: “I think everybody should testify who is asked to testify.”