ABC News Daily Why Bill and Hillary Clinton are testifying about Epstein
Feb 26, 2026
David Smith, associate professor at the United States Studies Centre and US politics analyst. He unpacks Bill Clinton’s 1990s ties to Jeffrey Epstein and the photos that shaped public perception. He examines the huge document release and why Hillary’s links appear limited. He explains why Congress pushed for testimony and the political theater likely to follow.
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Clinton Epstein Relationship Timeline
- Bill Clinton had a social relationship with Jeffrey Epstein in the 1990s that included flying on Epstein's private plane and appearing in photos released in the Epstein files.
- David Smith notes the relationship mostly ended by 2003 and FBI probes found no evidence leading to charges against Clinton.
Files Fueled Political Focus Not New Evidence
- The recently released three million pages of Epstein files added little new on the Clintons but Republicans amplified photos and allegations for political effect.
- David Smith highlights that photos and social-media posts, not new evidence, drove calls for further investigation.
Contempt Vote Forced Clintons To Testify
- The Clintons resisted congressional testimony until the House Oversight Committee voted to hold them in contempt, which could have led to jail time.
- David Smith points out the committee votes (some Democrats joined Republicans) forced their decision to comply.