Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton delivered combative testimony before the House Oversight Committee on Thursday, vehemently denying any knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein's crimes and criticising the committee's focus. In a four-page opening statement, she labelled the hearing "partisan political theatre" and urged lawmakers to investigate other figures associated with the convicted sex offender, including Elon Musk.
Clinton stated she has no recollection of ever meeting Epstein, who died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking. "I do not recall ever encountering Mr. Epstein. I never flew on his plane or visited his island, homes, or offices," she told the committee. She accused its members of failing to adequately address human trafficking or seek justice for Epstein's victims.
Clinton Targets Musk in Testimony
During her testimony, Clinton made a pointed reference to Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX. "It would subpoena anyone who asked on which night there would be the 'wildest party' on Epstein Island," she said. This remark directly referenced a 2012 email from Musk to Epstein, released by the Department of Justice on 30 January, in which Musk asked, "What day/night will be the wildest party on your island?"
The email was part of a chain discussing a potential visit to Epstein's private Caribbean island. Epstein had offered to send a helicopter, to which Musk replied he would need two seats for himself and his then-partner, Tallulah Riley. The released files contain no communications suggesting Musk was aware of Epstein's crimes, and Musk has denied ever visiting the island.
Context of the Committee's Probe
The hearing is part of the committee's ongoing investigation into Epstein's sex trafficking operation. Clinton's husband, former President Bill Clinton, has been frequently mentioned in the DOJ's Epstein files, which include several photographs of the two men together. Bill Clinton is scheduled to testify before the committee in Chappaqua, New York, on Friday.
He has previously stated he travelled on Epstein's plane four times in 2002 and 2003 for Clinton Foundation business. Hillary Clinton has also acknowledged a past relationship with Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year prison sentence for her role in Epstein's crimes, but reiterated she had no knowledge of Maxwell's illegal activities.
Next Steps and Official Reactions
Clinton concluded her opening statement by firmly rejecting the committee's premise for subpoenaing her. "The committee justified its subpoena to me, based on its assumptions that I have information regarding the investigations into the criminal activities of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell," she said. "Let me be as clear as I can. I do not."
A representative for Elon Musk did not immediately return a request for comment from Business Insider following the publication of the email details. The committee's investigation continues with further testimonies expected.