Brian Tyler Cohen urges Trump to testify over Epstein files like Bill and Hillary Clinton

WASHINGTON, DC: Progressive commentator Brian Tyler Cohen has argued, regarding Jeffre Epstein, that the same standard should apply to President Donald Trump as has been applied to Hillary Clinton and Bill Clinton. 

In a segment on CNN's "The Story Is", Cohen pointed out that while the Clintons were subpoenaed and faced contempt threats, Trump has not been compelled to testify despite himself appearig in Epstein-related documents.

Brian Tyler Cohen wants equal accountability for Trump, Clintons

Cohen's comments come as the Clintons prepare to give closed-door depositions to the House Oversight Committee later this month regarding their connections to the disgraced financier.

During the February 7 appearance on CNN, Cohen was asked if he found it interesting that the Clintons were testifying, but not Trump, who also is in the Epstein files, is not. 

Cohen responded, "Absolutely. I mean, look, I am fully in favor of the Clintons coming and testifying. I'm in favor of them doing it in public, so that we can all see with our own eyes what they say."

He stressed the need for consistency.

"And in the same way that I'm fully supportive of the Clintons coming and testifying, just as I'm supportive of anybody coming and testifying, I think Donald Trump should do the absolute same thing."

Cohen went on to say, "Will he do it while he's president? No. But you know what, if Republicans want to set a precedent where former presidents and their family members who have some involvement with Jeffrey Epstein have to come before Congress and can't defy any subpoenas to do so, then I am fully in support of that precedent."

Jeffrey Epstein probe and the Clintons' testimony

Cohen's remarks refer to the Clintons' upcoming testimony, scheduled for February 26 (Hillary) and February 27 (Bill). 

The House Oversight Committee, led by Rep James Comer (R-Ky), has pursued the Clintons since issuing subpoenas last year as part of its investigation into Epstein's activities.

Bill Clinton's documented flights on Epstein's plane and social ties have raised eyebrows, though he has repeatedly denied knowledge of or involvement in Epstein's crimes.

Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton's link appears more indirect.

After missed deposition dates and threats of contempt proceedings, the Clintons finally reached an agreement to appear for transcribed, videotaped depositions behind closed doors, thereby averting a contempt vote.

The sessions will not be live-streamed, despite the Clintons' push for public hearings.

Hillary has said on social media that open proceedings would promote transparency, while Bill described closed sessions as potentially resembling a "kangaroo court." 

However, Comer has maintained that the depositions will be released publicly later.

The probe gained momentum with recent releases of additional Epstein documents, just over 3 million pages authorized under legislation signed by President Trump. 

Records show Trump flew on Epstein's jet multiple times and once called him a "terrific guy," albeit he has distanced himself since Epstein's 2019 death.

In recent comments, Trump expressed sympathy for Bill Clinton. "It bothers me that somebody’s going after Bill Clinton," he told NBC News. "See, I like Bill Clinton. I still like Bill Clinton."

When asked what he liked about him, Trump said, "I liked his behavior toward me. I thought he got me, he understood me."