Clinton Deposition Videos Released in Epstein Probe, Revealing Trump Golf Course Exchange
The House Oversight Committee on Monday released nearly nine hours of video depositions featuring former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, a significant public step in the congressional investigation into the network of the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The footage, posted days after the Clintons separately sat for interviews before the Republican-led panel, captures their sworn testimony regarding their past associations with Epstein and his accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell. NBC News is reviewing the lengthy recordings, each running approximately four-and-a-half hours.
During his Friday session, Bill Clinton provided a notable anecdote involving former President Donald Trump. He recounted a conversation from roughly "20-something years ago" that occurred on Trump's golf course during a charity event. "He somehow had known I'd flown in Jeffrey Epstein's aircraft," Clinton testified. "And he said, 'You know we had some great times together over the years but we fell out all because of a real estate deal.' And he said that he was sorry it happened." Clinton added that Trump never indicated any awareness of improper activity involving Epstein.
This account aligns with prior reporting, notably a 2019 Washington Post story that linked the Trump-Epstein rift to a contested Florida property. Trump has previously stated the friendship ended because he considered Epstein "a creep," and he has not been accused of any legal wrongdoing in connection with the case.
The depositions also touched on the Clintons' own links to the scandal. Bill Clinton has acknowledged using Epstein's plane for Clinton Foundation travel in the early 2000s—prior to Epstein's criminal charges—but has consistently denied any knowledge of his crimes at the time. Hillary Clinton testified she does not recall meeting Epstein but acknowledged Maxwell was an "acquaintance." Neither has faced any charges.
In a poignant moment, Bill Clinton was asked about Maxwell's quest for clemency. "I don't think I should comment on that," he replied, before adding, "This was really hard for me when it came out. We were friendly with Ghislaine... I was sad. But it was terrible what she did and she should be punished." He did not specify who "we" referred to.
Following his testimony, the former president took to social media, stating his limited interactions with Epstein ended years before the crimes surfaced. "I offered the little I do know," he wrote, "in the hopes that it would help prevent anything like this from ever happening again." He urged others to come forward and called for the Justice Department to release all relevant files.
The public release of the videos intensifies scrutiny on the powerful circles Epstein moved in, ensuring the scandal remains a persistent political and legal specter. Final, reviewed transcripts of the depositions are expected to be released at a later date.
Reaction & Analysis:
David Chen, Political Analyst: "This video dump is less about new revelations and more about keeping the Epstein narrative alive in an election year. It forces uncomfortable optics for figures across the political spectrum, reminding the public of the elite access Epstein cultivated."
Sarah Miller, Legal Commentator: "The procedural value is key. This public testimony creates an official record that could contradict future statements or inform parallel investigations. Clinton's Trump anecdote, while casual, now exists under oath."
Marcus Johnson, Advocacy Group Director: "It's a sickening parade of plausible deniability from people who were supposedly at the apex of intelligence and influence. 'I didn't know,' 'I don't remember,' 'We were friendly'—these aren't answers, they're evasions. The whole testimony reeks of a closed system protecting itself."
Rebecca Vance, History Professor: "Historically, these depositions will be crucial. They document how individuals at the highest levels of power retrospectively frame their associations with a man whose crimes have become synonymous with systemic failure and privilege."
This report is based on originally published material and new analysis.