Maxwell Uses Fifth in House Deposition While Lawyer Tells Oversight She’d Testify on Epstein if Trump Grants Clemency
Ghislaine Maxwell appeared virtually before the House Oversight Committee and invoked the Fifth Amendment throughout a brief closed‑door deposition, with her attorney saying she would only testify fully if President Trump granted clemency — an offer Republicans rejected. At the same time, the committee advanced bipartisan contempt recommendations after Bill and Hillary Clinton initially defied subpoenas (they later agreed to closed‑door, transcribed depositions), even as members gained access to unredacted Epstein‑related files and moved to subpoena other figures including Les Wexner and Epstein estate executors.
📌 Key Facts
- House Oversight has subpoenaed and/or prepared to subpoena numerous figures in the Jeffrey Epstein probe — including Bill and Hillary Clinton and, per Ranking Member Rep. Robert Garcia, billionaire Les Wexner and Epstein estate executors Darren Indyke and Richard Kahn — as part of a months‑long investigation into the Justice Department’s handling of the case.
- Bill and Hillary Clinton initially refused closed‑door depositions, calling the subpoenas "invalid and legally unenforceable" in a Jan. 12 letter and offering written sworn declarations and limited interview formats instead; the committee viewed those offers as insufficient and threatened contempt.
- The Oversight Committee advanced contempt recommendations in committee — 34–8 for Bill Clinton (with nine Democrats joining Republicans) and 28–15 for Hillary Clinton (with three Democrats joining) — prompting Rules Committee action and the possibility of full House votes before the Clintons ultimately agreed to testify.
- After the committee moved contempt forward, the Clintons agreed to appear for closed, transcribed depositions scheduled for Feb. 26 (Hillary) and Feb. 27 (Bill); Oversight Chair Rep. James Comer insisted depositions be under oath, transcribed and filmed and rejected proposals for private New York interviews without a formal record.
- Ghislaine Maxwell appeared virtually before the committee on Feb. 9 from a federal prison camp in Texas, invoked the Fifth Amendment on a blanket basis, refused to answer substantive questions, and ended the deposition in under an hour; she previously sat for a July 2025 interview with the Deputy Attorney General under limited immunity.
- Maxwell’s attorney (David Oscar Markus) told the committee she would be willing to "speak fully and honestly" only if President Trump granted clemency (or similar executive relief); committee leaders rejected clemency or immunity as a condition for testimony, and the White House said a pardon/commutation was not being considered.
- The Justice Department has released large numbers of Epstein‑related records — reporting figures include roughly 12,285 documents (about 125,575 pages) with millions more potentially responsive and still under review — and members of Congress have been given secure access to view unredacted files, a development that dovetailed with Maxwell’s deposition.
- The probe has sharpened partisan and intra‑party divisions: Republicans (led by Comer) say the Clintons and others may have firsthand information important to understanding Epstein’s network and to shaping anti‑trafficking and oversight reforms; Democrats and some legal experts argue the subpoenas lack a valid legislative purpose and warn about the political and constitutional risks of aggressive contempt tactics, while some Democrats nonetheless joined Republicans in committee to press for "full transparency."
📰 Source Timeline (56)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
February 10, 2026
6:30 AM
Ghislaine Maxwell appeals for clemency from Trump as she declines to answer questions
New information:
- NPR details that during the Feb. 9 video deposition Maxwell repeatedly stated, on camera, "my Fifth Amendment right to silence" while wearing a brown prison shirt at a Texas federal prison camp.
- Her attorney David Oscar Markus told the committee in a statement that Maxwell is prepared to speak "fully and honestly" if granted clemency by President Trump and asserted that both Trump and former President Bill Clinton are "innocent of any wrongdoing," adding that "Ms. Maxwell alone can explain why."
- Democratic Rep. Melanie Stansbury is quoted calling Maxwell’s posture "very clear" and describing it as campaigning for clemency, while GOP Rep. Anna Paulina Luna posted "NO CLEMENCY. You comply or face punishment," underscoring bipartisan resistance.
- The White House, when asked Monday, pointed back to Trump’s prior remarks indicating a pardon or commutation for Maxwell is not currently being considered, adding a new on‑record reaction to the clemency bid.
- NPR notes that family members of Virginia Giuffre (Sky and Amanda Roberts) publicly released a letter to Maxwell saying she was a "central, deliberate actor" in a system to procure children for abuse, signaling survivor pushback against any leniency.
1:00 AM
Ghislaine Maxwell refuses to answer questions in Epstein deposition
New information:
- CBS piece reiterates that Maxwell appeared virtually before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee and refused to answer questions by invoking her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.
- It re-emphasizes her status as a longtime Epstein associate and notes her 2021 federal sex‑trafficking conviction, but does not materially expand on the previously reported offer to testify in exchange for clemency.
February 09, 2026
11:55 PM
Epstein files fallout grows as Ghislaine Maxwell pleads Fifth before Congress
New information:
- PBS pegs Maxwell’s refusal to answer questions and invocation of the Fifth Amendment to a specific Monday appearance, underscoring timing as 'the same day' lawmakers received access to view unredacted Epstein files.
- The segment emphasizes that the committee session effectively yielded no substantive answers from Maxwell, reinforcing that the Fifth‑Amendment strategy is being used categorically rather than selectively.
- It highlights that House members’ access to unredacted files is now active — not just promised — tightening the chronology between file release, congressional review, and Maxwell’s noncooperation.
6:49 PM
Ghislaine Maxwell attorney says she'll testify about Epstein in exchange for clemency
New information:
- During her virtual appearance before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, Maxwell invoked the Fifth Amendment and refused to answer questions.
- Her attorney stated on the record that Maxwell would be willing to cooperate and testify about Jeffrey Epstein if President Trump grants her clemency.
- CBS frames this as a conditional offer of cooperation tied specifically to Trump’s clemency power, not to any other form of leniency.
4:58 PM
Ghislaine Maxwell invokes Fifth Amendment before House committee investigating Epstein
New information:
- CBS reaffirms that Maxwell’s appearance was conducted virtually before the House Oversight Committee as part of its Epstein probe.
- Confirms again that Maxwell invoked the Fifth Amendment and refused to answer questions, ending the session quickly.
- Provides network TV packaging (Rosen and Small segment) but no additional factual detail beyond what is already captured in the existing story.
4:02 PM
WATCH: Ghislaine Maxwell refused to answer questions about Epstein in House deposition, Comer says
New information:
- Confirms that during the Maxwell deposition she invoked her Fifth Amendment rights to avoid answering questions that could be incriminating, exactly as her lawyers had previously warned.
- Reiterates that the deposition was conducted by video link to the federal prison camp in Texas where she is serving a 20‑year sex‑trafficking sentence.
- Notes that several Democratic lawmakers planned the same day to review unredacted DOJ Epstein files released under a law Congress passed last year.
3:45 PM
Ghislaine Maxwell pleads Fifth Amendment at congressional deposition
New information:
- Confirms from Chair James Comer and Ranking Member Robert Garcia that Maxwell answered no substantive questions and invoked the Fifth Amendment throughout the closed‑door virtual deposition.
- Clarifies that Maxwell’s team gave prepared remarks at the outset, then she refused to answer all questions on Fifth Amendment grounds.
- Adds that Maxwell did not plead the Fifth when she spoke with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche last July under limited immunity, sharpening the contrast with her stance toward Congress.
- Reports that Maxwell’s attorney explicitly told lawmakers she would answer questions only if granted presidential clemency by Donald Trump, and that Comer rejected immunity or clemency.
- Notes the Justice Department has released millions of pages of Epstein‑related documents and that members of Congress are now able to view unredacted versions in a secure setting.
- Provides concrete dates for upcoming closed‑door depositions of Bill and Hillary Clinton (Feb. 26 and 27) and that contempt votes were averted when they agreed to testify.
3:26 PM
Ghislaine Maxwell invokes Fifth Amendment in closed deposition
New information:
- Article reiterates that Maxwell, appearing virtually from the Bryan, Texas federal prison camp, invoked the Fifth Amendment on a blanket basis during the closed House Oversight deposition.
- It highlights a detailed letter from Sky and Amanda Roberts, relatives of Virginia Giuffre, quoting Giuffre’s characterization of Maxwell and demanding continued investigation and punishment if new evidence emerges.
- It reports that beginning today members of Congress can view unredacted versions of millions of DOJ Epstein and Maxwell documents in a secure setting after bipartisan complaints about over-redaction.
- It notes that Bill and Hillary Clinton, who appear in some of the released files, have agreed after months of resistance to give closed-door, filmed depositions to the committee at the end of the month.
3:15 PM
Ghislaine Maxwell pleads Fifth Amendment, dodges questions in House Oversight Epstein probe
New information:
- Confirms that Maxwell actually appeared virtually for the closed‑door House Oversight deposition and formally invoked the Fifth Amendment.
- Reports that the deposition ended in less than an hour after she refused to answer questions.
- Clarifies that Democrats view the Clintons’ agreement to testify as undercutting the need to hold them in contempt, contributing to stalled contempt proceedings.
3:07 PM
Ghislaine Maxwell appearing virtually for House deposition
New information:
- Confirms Maxwell is in fact appearing virtually Monday for the closed-door deposition, not just scheduled to do so.
- Reports that Oversight Chair James Comer says Maxwell’s lawyers have made clear she will plead the Fifth and refuse to answer questions, and that he hopes she changes her mind.
- Reveals Maxwell previously sat for a two-day July 2025 interview with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche about her relationship with Epstein and others, after which she was transferred from FCI Tallahassee to a minimum-security camp in Bryan, Texas, with no public explanation.
- Notes that DOJ’s recent document releases under the Epstein Files Transparency Act show Maxwell appearing extensively in investigative records, underscoring her centrality to Epstein’s operation.
2:12 PM
House committee to depose Ghislaine Maxwell as part of Epstein probe
New information:
- CBS segment reconfirms that the deposition is set for Monday and will be conducted by the House Oversight Committee as part of its Epstein investigation.
- CBS identifies this specifically as a deposition of Jeffrey Epstein co‑conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell, reinforcing her status as a convicted co‑conspirator central to the probe.
- Adds that CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman is covering legal and procedural expectations around the deposition (though details are high level in this clip).
12:31 PM
Ghislaine Maxwell to appear before House Oversight Committee lawmakers for Epstein probe deposition
New information:
- Confirms Ghislaine Maxwell will appear virtually before the House Oversight Committee at 10 a.m. ET Monday from a Texas federal prison.
- Specifies that the deposition will be conducted behind closed doors and is expected to be brief, with Maxwell likely to invoke the Fifth Amendment rather than answer substantive questions.
- Details that Comer’s lawyers had postponed an earlier planned August deposition at Maxwell’s request until after the Supreme Court decided whether to hear her appeal, which the Court declined in October.
- Reiterates that the deposition is explicitly part of House Oversight’s broader, months-long probe into how the government handled the Epstein case, alongside planned depositions of Bill and Hillary Clinton.
12:26 PM
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New information:
- NPR notes the Maxwell virtual deposition is scheduled for today and recaps that she is serving a 20‑year sentence for trafficking minors for sex with Jeffrey Epstein.
- It underscores that Republicans summoned Maxwell specifically to question her about Epstein’s crimes and 'powerful associates,' including President Trump, against the backdrop of DOJ’s release of what it calls the final batch of Epstein‑related documents.
- The piece restates that Maxwell is expected to say little and likely will avoid anything that could jeopardize her pending appeal, echoing her July 2025 interview with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.
February 06, 2026
9:45 PM
Bill Clinton comes out swinging against Comer for rejecting public Epstein hearing: 'Stop playing games'
New information:
- Bill Clinton posted on X that he has provided a sworn statement on what he knows about Epstein, has agreed to appear in person before the House Oversight Committee, and is calling for the full release of the Epstein files.
- Clinton publicly criticizes Chair James Comer for wanting 'cameras, but only behind closed doors,' arguing that such an arrangement serves 'only partisan interests' and not Epstein’s victims or the public.
- Comer tells Fox News Digital that the Clintons’ counsel say they agree to terms but that those terms 'lack clarity' and contain no dates for depositions, and that he will clarify their terms and discuss next steps with committee members.
- Democrats note that contempt efforts against the Clintons were paused after their lawyers signaled willingness to testify, and they highlight what they see as Comer’s inconsistent approach to contempt for other non‑compliant witnesses and DOJ document delays.
February 05, 2026
2:53 PM
Hillary Clinton wants her Epstein testimony to be public
New information:
- Hillary Clinton posted on X challenging Rep. James Comer to hold a public, televised hearing on the Epstein files, saying she and Bill Clinton 'will be there.'
- Comer has scheduled closed‑door, transcribed and filmed depositions for Hillary Clinton on Feb. 26 and Bill Clinton on Feb. 27.
- The article notes that contempt of Congress resolutions against both Clintons had advanced out of committee and were likely to pass the full House, and Comer claims they agreed to testify only after it became clear contempt votes would succeed.
1:00 AM
Democrats say Clintons' agreement to testify undercuts subpoena push, won't bring new Epstein answers
New information:
- House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar says the Clintons’ agreement to sit for Feb. 26–27 depositions 'satisfies the subpoena requirements' and effectively takes criminal contempt off the table so long as they answer questions.
- Aguilar explicitly says the near-use of contempt 'sets an interesting precedent' for who can be compelled to appear before Oversight, adding that Democrats will 'see what the next year holds for Trump Inc. and the Trump family' if they regain the majority.
- Rep. Maxwell Frost confirms he voted in committee to advance contempt not because he wanted the Clintons jailed, but to 'reinforce the congressional subpoena power' and create a new standard that applies to 'former presidents, their family, their spouse, whoever.'
- Several progressives in the 'Squad' joined Republicans in voting to tee up contempt resolutions, signaling frustration with the Clintons’ initial defiance even on the left.
- Democratic sources quoted doubt the Clintons will provide Republicans with the Epstein revelations they want, framing the coming depositions as more about process and precedent than new factual disclosures.
February 03, 2026
3:47 PM
Clintons agree to testify about ties to Epstein in House investigation
New information:
- Confirms Bill and Hillary Clinton have now agreed to testify after the House moved toward a contempt vote over their earlier refusal to sit for closed‑door testimony.
- Clarifies that the House Rules Committee met Monday to consider procedural steps before the contempt resolution when Comer announced the Clintons’ agreement.
- Quotes Bill Clinton spokesperson Angel Ureña saying the Clintons 'negotiated in good faith' and 'look forward to setting a precedent that applies to everyone,' and Comer countering that the terms 'lack clarity' and no dates have been provided.
3:31 PM
The Clintons agreed to testify in House Oversight's Epstein investigation, but may still face contempt charges
New information:
- Associated Press adds direct quotes from Rep. James Comer saying he will not immediately drop contempt and 'it depends on what they say,' stressing he wants both Clintons under oath for full depositions.
- Details that House Rules Committee postponed advancing the contempt resolutions as Comer and the Clintons negotiated, after initially moving them toward a floor vote.
- Clarifies the exact terms of the Clintons’ earlier counteroffer (four‑hour transcribed interview for Bill, sworn declaration for Hillary) and that Comer rejected that as insufficient to satisfy the subpoenas.
1:15 PM
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New information:
- CBS reiterates that both Bill and Hillary Clinton have now agreed to testify before a House committee investigating the Jeffrey Epstein case.
- The segment frames their agreement as a key upcoming development as the House weighs contempt proceedings, but does not materially change the procedural posture already reported.
6:55 AM
Clintons agree to testify in House Epstein investigation ahead of contempt of Congress vote
New information:
- NPR piece details that Bill and Hillary Clinton’s lawyers emailed House Oversight staff late Monday saying they would 'appear for depositions on mutually agreeable dates' to comply with subpoenas.
- Chair James Comer says he is not yet dropping contempt efforts, insisting he needs a finalized written agreement and warning the Clintons 'do not get to dictate the terms of lawful subpoenas.'
- The House Rules Committee, which had been poised to advance contempt resolutions to the floor, postponed action as Comer and the Clintons negotiated.
- Earlier the same day, Comer rejected an offer for Bill Clinton to sit for a four‑hour transcribed interview while Hillary Clinton submitted only a sworn declaration.
- The article notes that nine of 21 Democrats on Oversight backed contempt for Bill Clinton and three backed contempt for Hillary, underscoring the bipartisan vote in committee.
1:09 AM
Clintons agree to testify to House Oversight ahead of expected contempt vote
New information:
- Clintons’ legal team emailed House Oversight on Monday stating they 'accept the terms' of Comer’s latest letter and will appear for depositions on mutually agreeable dates.
- Oversight Chair James Comer responded that the terms still lack clarity and that no specific deposition dates have been provided, saying he will 'clarify the terms' and then consult committee members on next steps.
- The article reiterates that both contempt resolutions already advanced out of committee with bipartisan support, with somewhat more Democratic support for the Bill Clinton resolution given his acknowledged interactions with Epstein.
- It details that the Clintons had proposed a four‑hour, New York‑based Bill Clinton deposition limited to DOJ’s Epstein investigations and a sworn declaration or matching terms for Hillary Clinton, offers Comer previously rejected as too narrow.
12:38 AM
Clintons try to reach agreement for Epstein testimony with contempt of Congress vote looming
New information:
- Clintons’ spokesman Angel Ureña posted on social media that Bill and Hillary Clinton "will be there" to testify, after contempt resolutions were already moving.
- House Oversight Chair James Comer is keeping criminal contempt resolutions alive for now, saying he has nothing in writing and that whether he accepts their offer "depends on what they say."
- The Clintons’ attorneys had offered a 4‑hour transcribed interview for Bill Clinton and a sworn written declaration from Hillary Clinton; Comer rejected that offer and said both must sit for sworn depositions to satisfy the subpoenas.
- The contempt resolutions were being advanced through the House Rules Committee on Monday evening as last‑minute negotiations unfolded.
- The article details that 9 of 21 Democrats backed advancing contempt against Bill Clinton and 3 Democrats did so for Hillary Clinton, underscoring bipartisan pressure for "full transparency" in the Epstein investigation.
12:19 AM
Bill and Hillary Clinton agree to testify in House's Epstein investigation, New York Times reports
New information:
- CBS segment confirms the New York Times report that both Bill and Hillary Clinton will testify in the House Oversight Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
- Reiterates that they had previously resisted subpoenas and were facing contempt votes before agreeing to appear.
12:16 AM
Clintons agree to testify after House threatens contempt in Jeffrey Epstein probe
New information:
- Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton have now agreed to appear before the House Oversight Committee in its Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
- Clinton deputy chief of staff Angel Ureña confirmed on X that both Clintons will testify and claimed they had 'negotiated in good faith' with the committee.
- Oversight Republicans publicly accused the Clintons of 'trying to dodge contempt by requesting special treatment' but said 'The Clintons are not above the law.'
February 02, 2026
10:30 AM
House panel moves to consider criminal referrals for the Clintons
New information:
- House Rules Committee is scheduled to take up the two contempt resolutions at 4 p.m. ET Monday, the last step before a floor vote.
- Final House votes on criminal contempt referrals for Bill and Hillary Clinton could occur as early as Tuesday or Wednesday.
- Comer reiterates that he views the contempt push as proof that "no one is above the law" and ties it to getting 'Epstein documents' quickly, while Democrats continue to argue the effort is partisan and note Comer has not moved to hold other absent witnesses or DOJ itself in contempt.
January 23, 2026
8:53 PM
Reporter's Notebook: Clinton contempt vote gains steam as Democrats join GOP in Epstein probe standoff
New information:
- Narrative timeline that the contempt clash traces back to a surprise summer move by Rep. Summer Lee to subpoena the Epstein files and a counter‑amendment by Rep. Scott Perry to subpoena the Clintons and former DOJ/FBI leaders.
- Detail that the Clintons’ depositions were originally set for October, then moved to mid‑December (missed because of a funeral) and then re‑set for separate dates in mid‑January, which they again skipped.
- Context that several other high‑profile figures on Perry’s original subpoena list communicated with the committee saying they had no knowledge of Epstein or the original prosecution, whereas the Clintons have not appeared at all.
January 22, 2026
12:15 AM
"Total miscalculation": Inside Democrats' shock revolt on holding Bill Clinton in contempt
New information:
- The House Oversight Committee voted 34–8 to hold Bill Clinton in contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena to appear for a deposition in the Epstein investigation, with nine Democrats joining Republicans.
- In a separate vote, only three Democrats joined Republicans to hold Hillary Clinton in contempt, while 15 Democrats voted no and one voted present, showing a far weaker appetite to sanction her.
- House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries actively whipped against the contempt resolution, but ranking member Robert Garcia privately told Democrats to vote their conscience, and several ignored leadership pressure.
- Rep. Lateefah Simon publicly said she 'voted my conscience and I voted my district' for contempt and expects to back it again on the floor, while Rep. Stephen Lynch argued there is 'plenty of evidence' Bill Clinton may have useful Epstein information.
- Clintons’ lawyers personally lobbied committee Democrats to oppose contempt and argued they should be allowed to answer in writing, as some ex–FBI directors and attorneys general were, but the committee rejected that.
- Jeffries is now undecided on whether to formally whip against contempt on the House floor, and senior Democrats expect only 12–15 of their members to back it in the full chamber.
January 21, 2026
9:53 PM
Ghislaine Maxwell to testify before House committee investigating handling of Epstein case
New information:
- Ghislaine Maxwell has agreed to appear before the House Oversight Committee and is scheduled for a virtual deposition on Feb. 9.
- Chairman James Comer says Maxwell’s lawyers have indicated she will invoke the Fifth Amendment and refuse to answer questions.
- A July 2025 bid by Maxwell to trade testimony for immunity was rejected by the committee, and a legal summons compelling her testimony was issued in August.
- Maxwell’s lawyers sent a letter calling the proceeding 'pure political theater' and warning the committee will get 'no testimony, no answers, and no new facts.'
- The committee will also discuss whether Bill and Hillary Clinton should be held in contempt for refusing to appear in the Epstein investigation.
9:30 PM
House Oversight panel votes to hold Bill and Hillary Clinton in contempt of Congress
New information:
- Clarifies that the Clintons refused to appear for scheduled closed-door depositions last week and asserted the subpoenas were legally invalid, saying they had already shared the 'little information' they know.
- Details Democratic arguments that other subpoenaed former attorneys general (Eric Holder, Loretta Lynch, Jeff Sessions, Merrick Garland) were not held in contempt, and notes Comer’s rebuttal that they provided written testimony and recalled no relevant information.
- Reports that Democrats say Bill Clinton has offered alternative formats to cooperate and that they accuse Republicans of ignoring DOJ’s own failures to comply with a legal mandate to release Epstein investigative files.
- Adds that the committee has scheduled a Feb. 9 virtual interview with Ghislaine Maxwell, now in federal prison, and that Attorney General Pam Bondi will appear separately as part of the Epstein probe.
- Highlights the explicit intra‑Democratic split, with some members prioritizing transparency in the Epstein case over defending the Clintons, while others frame the move as partisan score‑settling.
9:18 PM
House panel votes to hold Clintons in contempt in Epstein investigation
New information:
- Confirms the committee votes were 34–8 for Bill Clinton and 28–15 for Hillary Clinton to advance contempt resolutions to the full House.
- Details that Bill and Hillary Clinton offered written sworn declarations on Jan. 12 stating they were unaware of Epstein or Maxwell’s involvement in child sex trafficking or abuse when they knew them, and that Bill Clinton says he first learned of allegations years after leaving office.
- Reveals the Clintons’ lawyers offered a last‑minute, limited in‑person interview in New York with only the chair and ranking member, which Comer rejected as "unreasonable."
- Includes the Clintons’ public letter accusing Comer of pursuing a process "literally designed to result in our imprisonment" and arguing the subpoenas lack legitimate legislative purpose.
- Quotes Comer framing their testimony as "critical" to understanding Epstein’s sex‑trafficking network, how he sought influence, and how Congress might strengthen anti‑trafficking laws.
9:17 PM
House committee votes to hold Clintons in contempt of Congress in Epstein probe
New information:
- Confirms that the House Oversight Committee votes were bipartisan, with some Democrats joining Republicans and some progressives explicitly backing 'full transparency' on Epstein even at the Clintons’ expense.
- Details that the contempt resolutions are framed as the first step toward possible criminal prosecution by DOJ that could, in theory, carry prison time and substantial fines for the Clintons.
- Reports that Comer rejected a Clinton legal team offer for Bill Clinton to be interviewed in New York by Comer and Ranking Member Robert Garcia with staff present, signaling failed last‑minute negotiations for a compromise.
- Adds that longtime Clinton lawyer David Kendall has been seeking an 'off‑ramp' in private, including raising the possibility of holiday‑time testimony, suggesting the Clintons are looking for a negotiated path to cooperation.
- Notes the Clintons’ public argument that the subpoenas are invalid and their criticism that Comer is targeting them while DOJ is behind on releasing Epstein case files, highlighting their legal and political counter‑narrative.
8:42 PM
House takes step closer to referring Clintons for criminal charges with Democratic support
New information:
- The House Oversight Committee has now voted to advance separate contempt‑of‑Congress recommendations for Bill and Hillary Clinton after they declined to appear for depositions in the Epstein probe.
- Vote tallies: 34–8 (with two present) in favor of recommending contempt for Bill Clinton, and 28–15 (with one present) for Hillary Clinton.
- Nine Democrats joined Republicans in advancing the Bill Clinton contempt recommendation, and three Democrats joined Republicans on the Hillary Clinton contempt recommendation.
- Comer says the Clintons offered to let him interview them alone in New York without an official transcript, an offer he rejected as 'insulting' and 'special treatment.'
- The Clintons’ attorney labeled the subpoenas 'invalid and legally unenforceable' and claimed they lacked a legitimate legislative purpose, while offering the alternative interview arrangement.
6:56 PM
House committee to vote on holding Clintons in contempt in Epstein probe
New information:
- Confirms the vote is scheduled for Wednesday (this week) and frames it as a pending decision rather than just an internal meeting.
- Reiterates that the contempt would be criminal contempt tied specifically to Bill and Hillary Clinton’s refusal to appear before the panel.
- Links the contempt effort explicitly to the committee’s investigation of the Justice Department’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case.
4:23 PM
Key House committee to decide whether to hold Clintons in contempt over Epstein investigation
New information:
- CBS segment reiterates that the House Oversight Committee is preparing to decide whether to hold Bill and Hillary Clinton in criminal contempt for failing to appear for Epstein-related testimony.
- Confirms the committee’s next step is a formal decision point, not just drafting or threatening contempt.
3:28 PM
WATCH LIVE: House Oversight panel meets to review resolutions holding Clintons in contempt
New information:
- House Oversight Committee is formally meeting Wednesday to review and prepare contempt of Congress charges against Bill and Hillary Clinton.
- Comer says the committee has been negotiating for about five months and now considers 'time's up' after the Clintons refused to comply with subpoenas for testimony.
- The Clintons, through attorney David Kendall, have floated offers including Christmas‑time testimony and a proposal for a Comer–Garcia staff interview in New York, which Comer rejected.
- The article emphasizes that contempt could lead to criminal prosecution by DOJ with potential fines and incarceration, but notes passage on the House floor is uncertain given the GOP’s slim majority.
- The Clintons argue the subpoenas lack a valid legislative purpose, say they did not know of Epstein’s abuse, and have offered written declarations instead of in‑person testimony.
1:11 PM
Democrats dodge questions as House GOP prepares contempt votes against the Clintons
New information:
- Rep. Ro Khanna says the House should prioritize forcing DOJ to release the Epstein files before calling in the Clintons to testify, and calls it 'premature' to bring them in before that happens.
- Khanna declines to say how he will vote on contempt, instead reiterating that the Clintons should testify after files are released.
- Rep. Suhas Subramanyam signals he has not decided how he will vote and says he wants to see how Republicans handle 'all of the other people who have not complied completely' with the committee, suggesting concern that contempt is being used in a partisan way.
- The article notes that of the 10 original subpoena targets, only Bill Barr has appeared in person so far (with Alex Azar deposed under a separate subpoena), yet Republicans have pursued contempt only against the Clintons.
- Fox reports that multiple requests for comment to the remaining 19 Democrats on the committee, including ranking member Rep. Robert Garcia, went unanswered, underscoring a broader Democratic reluctance to go on record before the vote.
11:00 AM
House Oversight to vote on holding Clintons in contempt in Epstein probe
New information:
- Confirms the House Oversight Committee has formally scheduled the contempt markup for Wednesday at 10 a.m. in Washington.
- Details the back‑and‑forth over an 'untenable offer' from the Clintons’ lawyers for Bill Clinton to meet Comer and the ranking Democrat in New York with staff but, according to Comer, without a transcript—an arrangement Comer rejected.
- Includes the Clintons’ sworn declarations describing Bill Clinton’s use of Epstein’s plane for Clinton Foundation work between 2002 and 2003, his denial that he ever visited Epstein’s private island, and both Clintons’ statements that they had no knowledge of Epstein’s or Ghislaine Maxwell’s criminal activity.
- Quotes a legal expert (Jonathan Shaub) saying both Clintons have strong arguments for why they should not be compelled to testify and questioning the subpoenas’ legislative purpose.
- Clarifies that, aside from Bill Barr’s closed‑door testimony, other former DOJ officials have only submitted written statements to the committee.
10:30 AM
Bill, Hillary Clinton at risk of contempt in House after snubbing Epstein depositions
New information:
- Confirms Bill Clinton refused to appear for his Jan. 13, 2026 deposition even after the committee postponed the date at his request by nearly a month.
- Details that the committee initially subpoenaed Bill Clinton for Oct. 14, 2025 and Hillary Clinton for Oct. 9, 2025, and that they are the only two of 10 subpoenaed witnesses currently facing contempt threats.
- Quotes directly from the committee’s contempt findings asserting Bill Clinton has 'firsthand information' about Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell’s efforts to 'curry favor with influential individuals' and that his testimony could inform legislation on sex-trafficking and ethics reforms.
- Notes that the contempt resolutions, if approved by committee, would send the contempt question to the full House for consideration.
10:00 AM
Comer dares Democrats to advance Clinton contempt of Congress resolutions or 'be exposed as hypocrites'
New information:
- Comer’s prepared opening statement excerpts, including his line that Democrats must back contempt or 'be exposed as hypocrites.'
- Specific confirmation that the Oversight Committee will meet at 10 a.m. Wednesday to mark up contempt reports for both Clintons.
- Comer’s claim that the committee 'offered flexibility on scheduling' but faced 'defiance, marked by repeated delays, excuses, and obstruction.'
- Restatement that contempt passage in committee is expected largely along party lines, paving the way for a full House vote.
12:43 AM
Clinton spokesman lashes out at Comer over Epstein probe as contempt vote nears
New information:
- Bill Clinton deputy chief of staff Angel Ureña publicly claims the Clintons never said no to a transcript and accuses Chairman Comer of misrepresenting negotiations over testimony format.
- Comer says Clinton lawyers offered only a private conversation in New York with Bill Clinton, without an official transcript and without other members present, which he calls 'untenable' and 'ridiculous.'
- Comer reiterates that the bipartisan subpoenas require under‑oath, transcribed depositions and says the lack of a formal record would be 'indefensible' and 'insulting to the American people.'
- Rep. Brandon Gill tells Fox News the committee 'bent over backward' to accommodate the Clintons and says their refusal left no choice but to move toward contempt.
January 14, 2026
7:23 PM
GOP vows to hold both Clintons in contempt for skipping Epstein testimony
New information:
- This piece reiterates that House Republicans, led by Oversight Chair James Comer, intend to pursue contempt of Congress against both Bill and Hillary Clinton for failing to appear for scheduled closed‑door Epstein depositions.
- It underscores Republicans’ framing that the Clintons are flouting 'lawful subpoenas' while their attorneys maintain the demands are invalid and politically motivated.
- The article reinforces that contempt action is being prepared for near‑term consideration in the House as part of a broader GOP push around Epstein‑related disclosures.
6:07 PM
Rep. Comer says House is moving to hold Clintons in contempt of Congress
New information:
- CBS on‑air segment reiterates that Comer says the House 'will move' to hold Bill and Hillary Clinton in contempt of Congress after they refused to testify before the House Oversight Committee about its Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
- The piece frames the action specifically as a response to the Clintons’ refusal to appear, rather than to document‑production disputes.
4:24 PM
WATCH: Comer says contempt charges are coming after Clintons skipped Epstein probe depositions
New information:
- Hillary Rodham Clinton defied the House Oversight Committee subpoena on Wednesday and did not appear for her scheduled deposition.
- The Clintons sent a letter to Chairman James Comer this week calling the subpoenas 'legally invalid' and accusing the investigation of bias against them.
- Comer publicly stated he is planning to initiate contempt of Congress proceedings against both Clintons next week.
3:11 PM
Bill, Hillary Clinton risk criminal contempt charges after defying House subpoenas in Epstein probe
New information:
- Hillary Clinton did not appear for her scheduled closed‑door House Oversight deposition on Wednesday in the Epstein probe, formally defying the subpoena.
- A committee source says the Oversight Committee will now begin contempt of Congress proceedings against Hillary Clinton in addition to Bill Clinton.
- Comer has already stated he is moving ahead with a contempt resolution against Bill Clinton after he skipped his Tuesday deposition, with a markup expected next week.
- The Clintons’ attorneys sent Comer a detailed letter arguing the subpoenas are 'invalid and legally unenforceable,' lack a valid legislative purpose, and constitute an 'unprecedented infringement on the separation of powers,' explicitly likening Comer’s conduct to McCarthy‑era abuses and noting Trump has publicly pushed for an investigation of Bill Clinton’s Epstein ties.
- The article reiterates that criminal contempt of Congress is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $100,000 fine, citing the prior Bannon and Navarro prosecutions as precedent.
12:21 AM
Dems leave door open to voting for Bill Clinton contempt measure
New information:
- Some House Democrats now say they are open to voting for a contempt resolution against Bill Clinton if he ignores the House Oversight Committee’s Epstein‑related subpoena.
- Axios details that Democratic members are sensitive to the political optics of appearing to shield the Clintons in an Epstein probe and are watching whether Clinton negotiates or defies the panel.
- The piece clarifies that Democratic leaders are not yet formally whipping against contempt, leaving rank‑and‑file free to support it depending on how Clinton responds to the subpoena.
January 13, 2026
10:58 PM
House Oversight Committee looks to hold Clintons in contempt for refusing to testify about Epstein
New information:
- CBS frames that both Bill and Hillary Clinton are currently refusing to appear before the House Oversight Committee in its Epstein investigation.
- The committee is actively "looking to" or preparing to hold the Clintons in contempt of Congress for defying subpoenas, signaling the next procedural step rather than just a threatened response.
- The CBS report underlines that the refusals come despite formal subpoenas and that committee leaders view contempt as the likely enforcement tool.
10:57 PM
Republicans say Clintons risk contempt of Congress for not testifying on Epstein
New information:
- The NPR piece emphasizes that Democrats on the Oversight Committee had agreed to the subpoenas as part of a broader list but note most other subpoenaed witnesses have not been forced to testify.
- It quotes the Clintons’ response letter more fully, including their argument that the subpoenas are 'legally invalid,' that they have already provided in writing what little they know, and that they see the effort as designed to embarrass political rivals.
- Constitutional law professor Jonathan Shaub warns that using subpoenas in cases with 'very little, if any, veneer of a legislative interest' could invite court rulings that weaken Congress’s overall contempt and oversight power.
- The article underscores that DOJ has missed the statutory deadline and still has not released millions of pages of Epstein‑related files, prompting public complaints from Oversight ranking member Rep. Robert Garcia.
7:13 PM
Early details after Bill Clinton skips Epstein deposition on Capitol Hill
New information:
- CBS confirms that Bill Clinton did not appear for his scheduled House Oversight deposition in the Epstein probe.
- The segment frames Clinton’s absence as an explicit refusal to testify as part of the committee’s ongoing Epstein investigation.
- Additional on‑the‑ground detail from CBS’ Hill correspondent about how the skip played out procedurally (e.g., no‑show on the day, next steps being discussed by members and staff).
5:01 PM
Clintons won't testify in Epstein probe as House Oversight GOP threatens contempt
New information:
- Clintons’ attorneys sent an eight-page Jan. 12 letter to Chairman James Comer stating Bill and Hillary Clinton will not appear, calling the subpoenas 'invalid and legally unenforceable' and lacking a valid legislative purpose.
- The letter characterizes the GOP effort as 'nothing more than a ploy to attempt to embarrass' Trump’s political rivals and argues the Clintons have already voluntarily provided the limited Epstein/Maxwell information they possess.
- Comer told reporters the committee will move next week to hold Bill Clinton in contempt of Congress and similar action is expected for Hillary Clinton.
- The article notes former presidents have never successfully been compelled to testify before Congress, though some have voluntarily answered committee questions, underscoring the constitutional gray area.
4:50 PM
Clintons refuse to testify in House Epstein investigation
New information:
- PBS/AP piece confirms via the Clintons’ own letter that they will refuse to comply with the House Oversight Committee subpoenas and label them 'legally invalid.'
- Quotes the Clintons warning Comer that he is on the cusp of a process 'literally designed to result in our imprisonment,' underscoring how they are framing the standoff.
- Reports Comer’s on‑camera line that 'No one's accusing the Clintons of any wrongdoing. We just have questions,' positioning the GOP narrative.
- Notes that Bill Clinton did not appear for his scheduled closed‑door deposition at House offices Tuesday and that Comer will begin contempt proceedings next week.
- Adds that Comer has explicitly said the committee will not try to compel testimony from sitting President Donald Trump, arguing Congress cannot force a sitting president to testify.
4:08 PM
Clintons refuse to give testimony on Jeffrey Epstein
New information:
- Confirms that both Bill and Hillary Clinton did not appear for their scheduled closed‑door depositions in the House Epstein investigation.
- Frames their non‑appearance as a refusal to testify, rather than just a scheduling delay, escalating the standoff with the committee.
- Strengthens the record that the Clintons remain in defiance of duly issued subpoenas, increasing likelihood of a formal contempt move.
3:16 PM
Bill Clinton defies congressional subpoena to appear in Jeffrey Epstein probe
New information:
- Bill Clinton was subpoenaed to sit for a sworn, closed‑door deposition before the House Oversight Committee at 10 a.m. Tuesday in the bipartisan Jeffrey Epstein probe.
- Fox News reporters did not see Clinton enter or exit the committee room around the scheduled time, and the article reports he 'appears' to have defied the subpoena by not showing up.
- Chairman James Comer had explicitly threatened to initiate contempt of Congress proceedings if Clinton failed to appear Tuesday.
January 08, 2026
12:23 PM
House Oversight Committee to subpoena Les Wexner, 2 others in Epstein investigation
New information:
- Confirms that the House Oversight Committee has secured authority to subpoena billionaire Les Wexner plus Epstein estate executors Darren Indyke and Richard Kahn, per ranking member Rep. Robert Garcia.
- Notes that Wexner has previously faced congressional questioning over his relationship with Epstein but has not been accused of criminal wrongdoing.
- Reiterates DOJ’s latest status update that roughly 12,285 Epstein-related documents (about 125,575 pages) have been released, with over 2 million potentially responsive records still under review and many expected to be duplicates.