For decades, Americans have watched the well-connected operate under a different set of rules. When average citizens ignore a legal summons, consequences arrive swiftly. But when the powerful get called to account? Somehow, the calendar never cooperates. The lawyers discover procedural objections. The wheels of justice grind to a mysterious halt.
The Jeffrey Epstein scandal ripped the lid off a dark world where the rich and powerful allegedly exploited the vulnerable without consequence. Now, as Congress works to uncover who knew what and when, one former president seems determined to avoid answering questions. Even if it means breaking the law.
From Fox News:
Former President Bill Clinton has been summoned to appear on Capitol Hill Tuesday morning, as Republicans threaten a possible criminal referral if the ex-commander in chief skips out. He and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have both been subpoenaed to appear before the House Oversight Committee for separate closed-door depositions for the panel’s investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.
“The Clintons have not confirmed their appearances for their subpoenaed depositions. They are obligated under the law to appear, and we expect them to do so. If the Clintons do not appear at their depositions, the House Oversight Committee will initiate contempt of Congress proceedings,” the spokeswoman said.
A Pattern of Delay
Tuesday’s deposition represents the latest chapter in what can only be described as a masterclass in stalling tactics. The Clintons received subpoenas back in August. Depositions were scheduled for October. Those dates got pushed while the committee negotiated with their legal team. Then December rolled around — and wouldn’t you know it, Bill Clinton had a funeral to attend.
Chairman James Comer has clearly lost patience with the charade. “We’ve communicated with President Clinton’s legal team for months now, giving them opportunity after opportunity to come in to give us a day, and they continue to delay, delay, delay,” he told reporters Tuesday.
Here’s where it gets rich. The Clintons have now sent a letter declaring the subpoenas “invalid and legally unenforceable.” Their counteroffer? Written statements instead of showing up in person. How convenient. Nothing says “I have nothing to hide” quite like refusing to answer questions under oath.
And this comes just weeks after the DOJ released Epstein files containing multiple photos of the former president. Interesting timing for a sudden interest in legal technicalities.
What’s at Stake
Let’s be clear about something. Defying Congress isn’t just a political headache. It’s a federal crime. Criminal contempt carries a maximum penalty of one year behind bars and a $100,000 fine. This isn’t some empty threat that disappears after a few news cycles.
Steve Bannon learned that lesson. So did Peter Navarro. Both Trump allies went to prison — actual prison — for refusing to comply with congressional subpoenas from the January 6 select committee. The precedent exists. The punishment is real.
So here’s the million-dollar question: Does the same standard apply to Bill Clinton?
The Oversight Committee has announced that contempt proceedings will move forward next week. Meanwhile, not a single Democrat bothered to show up for Tuesday’s scheduled deposition. Quite the show of solidarity. Apparently, accountability only matters when it’s the other team facing questions.
Facing the Music
Clinton has spent years brushing off questions about his relationship with Epstein. The two were “known to be friendly” before the financier faced federal charges. Clinton traveled aboard Epstein’s notorious plane during Clinton Foundation trips in the early 2000s. He insists he did nothing wrong.
Fine. Then come say that under oath.
Denial is not testimony. Written statements are not depositions. And a documented friendship with a convicted predator demands explanation — not evasion, not excuses, and certainly not claims that congressional subpoenas are suddenly “invalid.”
The American people deserve answers. Congress has the constitutional authority to demand them. Bannon went to prison. Navarro went to prison. The only remaining question is whether Bill Clinton genuinely believes those rules somehow don’t apply to him.
After decades of skating past accountability, the former president may finally have to face the music. For anyone who still believes in equal justice under law, that reckoning is long overdue.
Key Takeaways
- Bill Clinton defied a congressional subpoena to testify about his Jeffrey Epstein ties
- The House Oversight Committee will begin contempt proceedings next week
- Criminal contempt of Congress carries up to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine
- Trump allies Bannon and Navarro went to prison for the same offense — will Clinton?
