Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton began her closed-door deposition Thursday before the Republican-led House Oversight Committee as part of a congressional investigation into the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, marking a high-profile moment in the ongoing probe into his network of influence and alleged crimes.

The testimony, held at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center near the Clintons’ home in this quiet New York suburb, started around 11 a.m. EST. Former President Bill Clinton is scheduled to follow with his own deposition Friday at the same location. The back-to-back sessions come after months of negotiations and legal wrangling, with the couple agreeing to testify to avoid potential contempt-of-Congress charges following subpoenas from committee Chair James Comer, R-Ky.

Hillary Clinton shared an opening statement on X shortly before the session began, emphasizing her commitment to transparency while decrying the probe as politically motivated. “I have always cooperated with legitimate inquiries, and I will do so today,” she wrote. “But let’s be clear: This is a partisan exercise designed to distract from real issues facing Americans.”

The depositions represent a rare instance of a former president and first lady being compelled to testify under oath before Congress, with Bill Clinton’s appearance noted as the first time a former commander in chief has faced such scrutiny in this manner. The committee’s investigation, launched in early 2025 under the new Republican majority, focuses on the federal government’s handling of Epstein’s cases, potential ethics violations by public officials, and the roles of high-profile figures connected to the disgraced billionaire.

Epstein, who died by suicide in a Manhattan jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges, had extensive ties to powerful individuals across politics, business and entertainment. Court documents unsealed in recent years, including flight logs from his private jet dubbed the “Lolita Express,” revealed Bill Clinton traveled on the plane multiple times between 2002 and 2003. The former president has acknowledged the flights but denied any knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities, stating they were for philanthropic work related to his foundation.

Hillary Clinton’s connections to Epstein appear more tangential, primarily through her husband’s associations and shared social circles. She has repeatedly distanced herself, noting in past statements that she never met Epstein personally. However, Republicans on the committee have pointed to emails and other records suggesting indirect links, including discussions about potential donations or events involving Epstein’s associates like Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s convicted accomplice who is serving a 20-year sentence.

Committee spokesperson Charlotte McCullough said the depositions aim to “uncover the full extent of Epstein’s enablers and any failures in accountability.” Democrats, including ranking member Jamie Raskin, D-Md., have dismissed the probe as a “witch hunt” revived under the Trump administration to target political opponents. President Donald Trump’s recent comments on Truth Social amplified the partisan divide, calling the Clintons’ testimony “long overdue justice for Epstein’s victims.”

As Hillary Clinton’s session got underway Thursday, sources familiar with the proceedings, speaking on condition of anonymity because the deposition is closed to the public, indicated questions would likely center on her time as secretary of state from 2009 to 2013. Investigators may probe whether any State Department resources or decisions intersected with Epstein’s activities, including visa issues for his associates or intelligence reports on his operations. Ethics concerns could extend to post-administration dealings through the Clinton Foundation, which received donations from Epstein-linked entities in the early 2000s.

Experts anticipate a combative atmosphere, with Hillary Clinton’s legal team, including prominent attorney David Kendall, prepared to object to questions deemed irrelevant or privileged. “She’s a seasoned witness from Benghazi hearings and email probes,” said legal analyst Barbara McQuade, a former U.S. attorney. “Expect her to be direct but cautious, sticking to facts while challenging the premise of many questions.”

Bill Clinton’s Friday deposition is expected to delve deeper into his personal interactions with Epstein. Flight records show at least 26 trips, including to Africa, Europe and Asia for foundation work. In a 2019 statement, Clinton said he cut ties with Epstein after his 2008 conviction in Florida for soliciting prostitution from a minor. However, newly released documents from Maxwell’s trial and Epstein’s estate have raised questions about continued contacts, including a 2011 dinner in New York.

What to expect from Bill Clinton’s testimony? Analysts predict intense scrutiny on specifics: Did he witness any illegal activity? Were there discussions about Epstein’s plea deal or leniency? Republicans may press on alleged “pay-to-play” schemes, while Democrats argue the focus distracts from broader systemic failures in prosecuting Epstein.

The probe has already featured depositions from other figures, including former Epstein employees and associates like Maxwell’s siblings. In January, the committee released interim findings criticizing the Justice Department’s 2008 non-prosecution agreement with Epstein as overly lenient, potentially influenced by his connections. Comer has vowed to pursue “all avenues,” including possible referrals for perjury if testimony contradicts records.

Public reaction has been polarized. Epstein victim advocates, such as attorney Lisa Bloom, welcomed the Clintons’ appearances. “Anyone with information should come forward,” Bloom said. “This isn’t about politics; it’s about justice for survivors.” Conversely, Clinton allies like former adviser Philippe Reines blasted the sessions as “theatrics,” noting the Clintons have cooperated with prior investigations, including the FBI’s Epstein probe.

The timing aligns with broader political dynamics under the second Trump administration. With Trump back in the White House since January 2025, his Justice Department has reopened aspects of the Epstein case, including reviews of sealed grand jury materials. Trump’s attorney general has prioritized “draining the swamp,” a phrase echoing his 2016 campaign rhetoric against the Clintons.

Security around Chappaqua was heightened Thursday, with local police and Secret Service agents cordoning off the arts center. A small group of protesters gathered outside, some holding signs reading “Lock Them Up” — a chant from Trump’s 2016 rallies — while others supported the Clintons with messages like “End the Witch Hunt.”

Transcripts of the depositions are expected to be released in redacted form within weeks, potentially fueling further congressional hearings or media scrutiny. If inconsistencies emerge, they could lead to additional subpoenas or even criminal referrals, though legal experts doubt prosecution given the statute of limitations on many Epstein-related matters.

For the Clintons, now in their late 70s, the depositions cap a decade of legal battles, from Hillary’s 2016 email server investigation to Bill’s impeachment-era scandals. Both have largely retreated from public life, focusing on philanthropy and family, but this probe pulls them back into the spotlight.

As the nation watches, the sessions underscore enduring questions about power, privilege and accountability in Epstein’s web. Whether they yield new revelations or reinforce partisan divides remains to be seen, but they signal the investigation is far from over.

Updates as of 11:30 a.m. EST: Sources indicate Hillary Clinton’s deposition is proceeding without major interruptions, with questions focusing initially on foundation finances. Bill Clinton’s team has not commented on preparations for Friday.

The House Oversight Committee plans a press briefing post-depositions, where Comer is expected to outline next steps. In the meantime, Epstein survivors continue advocating for a federal compensation fund, separate from the congressional probe.

This story will be updated as more details emerge.