clinton getuigt over epstein-verband: 'ik zag niets, ik deed niets fout'

2026-02-27 buitenland

Chappaqua, vrijdag, 27 februari 2026.
Voormalig president Bill Clinton heeft vrijdag in Chappaqua, New York, een verklaring afgelegd in het congresonderzoek naar Jeffrey Epstein. Het is de eerste keer in ruim veertig jaar dat een oud-president mondeling getuigt voor het Congres. Clinton benadrukte dat hij geen kennis had van Epsteins misdaden. “Ik zag niets, en ik deed niets fout”, zei hij onder ede. Hij verklaarde mee te werken uit loyaliteit aan het land en voor de slachtoffers. Hoewel hij jarenlang contact had met Epstein, beweert Clinton die band te hebben verbroken voordat de misstanden bekend werden. Zijn getuigenis volgde op een eerdere hoorzitting met Hillary Clinton, die zei niets te weten over Epstein. Nu roepen Democraten president Trump ook op tot getuigenis, gezien diens eigen banden met Epstein.

clinton testifies in chappaqua hearing

In Chappaqua, New York, former president Bill Clinton delivered sworn testimony before the House Oversight Committee on February 27, 2026, concerning his association with Jeffrey Epstein [1]. This marks the first instance in over forty years that a former or sitting U.S. president has appeared orally before Congress [2]. Clinton asserted he had no awareness of Epstein’s criminal conduct, stating plainly, “I saw nothing, and I did nothing wrong” [1]. His cooperation, he explained, stemmed from patriotism and empathy toward Epstein’s victims [1].

historical precedent and political pressure

Chairman James Comer, a Republican from Kentucky, confirmed the significance of Clinton’s appearance, noting it established a rare precedent for presidential testimony before Congress [2]. While no criminal allegations exist against Clinton, his repeated travels with Epstein drew intense scrutiny [3]. Flight records indicate Clinton used Epstein’s private jet at least sixteen times between 2002 and 2003 for humanitarian missions abroad [3]. Despite initial reluctance, Clinton ultimately cooperated to prevent legal penalties for noncompliance [3].

democratic push for trump’s involvement

Following Clinton’s testimony, senior Democrats urged the committee to summon President Donald Trump for similar questioning [4]. Representative Robert Garcia argued that the precedent set by Clinton necessitated equal treatment, demanding Trump face the same inquiry [4]. Although Trump denies any wrongdoing, documents link him to Epstein on numerous occasions [5]. Democrats cite fairness and transparency as justification, insisting Trump should address public concerns raised by survivors and investigators alike [5].

contested narratives and evidentiary gaps

The investigation continues amid conflicting interpretations of historical ties between powerful figures and Epstein [6]. While Clinton severed contact prior to Epstein’s 2008 indictment, questions persist about what was known at the time [1]. Photographic evidence from Justice Department files shows Clinton alongside Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, including images aboard a plane and at social gatherings [7]. However, none of these visuals suggest knowledge of illegal activity, according to officials familiar with the dossier [7].

ongoing scrutiny beyond the clintons

Attention has expanded to other individuals connected to Epstein, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick [8]. Though Lutnick claims he ended ties with Epstein after 2005, government records confirm visits to Epstein’s properties as recently as 2012 [8]. Democrats have threatened subpoenas if Lutnick refuses voluntary testimony [8]. Meanwhile, the committee prepares to release video footage of Hillary Clinton’s earlier deposition, adding further momentum to the broader investigative effort [2].

Bronnen

Bill Clinton Jeffrey Epstein