Hillary Clinton Grilled in Epstein Hearing, Questions Turn to UFOs and Pizzagate
In a lengthy and contentious congressional hearing, former First Lady and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton faced intense questioning about her connections to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. The session, which lasted over seven hours, took an unexpected turn as lawmakers delved into topics far beyond Epstein's criminal activities.
Unusual Lines of Inquiry Emerge
Clinton revealed that the questioning veered into bizarre territory, with inquiries about UFOs and the infamous Pizzagate conspiracy theory. "It got quite unusual because I started being asked about UFOs and a series of questions about Pizzagate, one of the most vile bogus conspiracy theories," Clinton stated during her testimony.
The Pizzagate theory, which gained traction during the 2016 presidential election, falsely alleged that a Washington DC pizza restaurant served as a front for a child sex ring linked to Clinton and other Democrats. Clinton emphasized that these claims were entirely baseless and harmful.
Firm Denials of Epstein Connections
Throughout the hearing, Clinton repeatedly denied any association with Epstein. "I do not recall ever encountering Mr. Epstein. I never flew on his plane or visited his island, homes or offices," she asserted in a prepared statement. She expressed frustration at having to reiterate these points multiple times during the marathon session.
"I don't know how many times I had to say that I never knew Jeffrey Epstein, I never went to his island, I never went to his homes, I never went to his offices," Clinton told reporters afterward. "So it's on the record numerous times."
Political Tensions Surface
The hearing quickly became politicized, with Clinton accusing the Republican-led House Oversight Committee of attempting to divert attention from former President Donald Trump's connections to Epstein. She claimed that Trump's administration had "gutted" a government department focused on combating international sex trafficking.
Committee Chairman James Comer sought to downplay the political nature of the inquiry, stating, "No one is accusing the Clintons of any wrongdoing. We just have a lot of questions."
Broader Investigation Context
The hearing took place behind closed doors in Chappaqua, New York, where the Clintons reside. It forms part of a broader congressional investigation into Epstein's network, which has implicated numerous high-profile individuals. Other figures summoned to testify include:
- Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's associate currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking
- Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, whose connections to Epstein have drawn scrutiny
- Former President Bill Clinton, scheduled to give his deposition later
Maxwell invoked her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination and refused to answer questions. Meanwhile, questions persist about whether Donald Trump, whose name appears thousands of times in Epstein-related documents, might be compelled to testify.
Epstein's Troubled Legacy
Jeffrey Epstein died in an apparent suicide in his New York prison cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. His 2008 conviction for soliciting sex from a 14-year-old girl did little to diminish his social connections, as many prominent figures maintained relationships with him afterward.
The Clintons had initially resisted testifying, arguing the hearings were politically motivated, but ultimately agreed to participate. As the investigation continues, the unusual questioning about UFOs and conspiracy theories highlights the complex and often sensational nature of high-profile congressional inquiries.
