Comer pushes back at Clinton, pledges transparency in Epstein deposition

Comer says Maxwell’s deposition will be virtual due to her incarceration, a standard procedure
PUBLISHED FEB 7, 2026
House Oversight Chairman James Comer criticizes Hillary Clinton for calling for a public hearing instead of an Epstein investigation deposition (Getty Images)
House Oversight Chairman James Comer criticizes Hillary Clinton for calling for a public hearing instead of an Epstein investigation deposition (Getty Images)


WASHINGTON, DC: Rep James Comer on Friday, February 6, rejected Hillary Clinton's claims that her upcoming congressional deposition on the Epstein files lacks transparency, assuring that the proceedings will be fully recorded and made public.

Appearing on Newsmax's 'American Agenda', the Kentucky Republican and House Oversight Committee Chairman, James Comer, said Clinton is trying to “muddy the waters” by calling for a public hearing instead of a closed-door deposition, a move Comer argued prioritizes political theater over accountability.

With photographs of former U.S. President Bill Clinton behind him, House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer (top right) (R-KY) speaks during a hearing at the U.S. Capitol January 21, 2026 in Washington, DC. The full committee was expected to vote on a markup of a resolution recommending that the House of Representatives find former U.S. President Bill Clinton and former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in contempt of Congress for refusal to comply with a subpoena issued by the committee related to the ongoing investigation into the Jeffrey Epstein files. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)
With photographs of former US President Bill Clinton behind him, House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Rep James Comer (top right) (R-KY) speaks during a hearing at the US Capitol, January 21, 202,6 in Washington, DC (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

James Comer vows transparency

Responding to Clinton’s criticism, Comer stressed that every deposition conducted under his chairmanship has been fully released, including transcripts and recordings when available. 

“For her to suggest this is happening in secret is just false,” he said, noting that depositions are traditionally held behind closed doors to ensure substantive questioning.

“Within 48 hours, the American people will be able to see exactly what was said.”

Comer dismissed Clinton’s call for a live, public hearing, arguing that such sessions are often aimed at spectacle rather than fact-finding. 

“My job isn’t to entertain,” he said. “My job is to get the truth and justice for the victims.”

Comer also accused the Clintons of misjudging political support after the Oversight Committee in a bipartisan vote, moved to enforce subpoenas tied to the Epstein investigation. 

He said the move passed despite Democratic leadership urging members not to back contempt proceedings, signaling broad agreement that Clinton should testify.

“This wasn’t partisan,” Comer said. “Democrats and Republicans voted for this subpoena. Public opinion is clear- people want answers.”

He added that attempts to portray the Clintons as victims distract from the real issue.

“The victims here are the young girls exploited by Jeffrey Epstein,” Comer said. “Not the Clintons.”



James Comer assures justice

Comer confirmed that Ghislaine Maxwell, a key figure in Jeffrey Epstein's trafficking network, is expected to be questioned next week as part of a bipartisan investigation into federal failures to protect Epstein’s victims.

He said lawmakers plan to press Maxwell on others involved in the abuse of minors, while acknowledging she may invoke her Fifth Amendment rights.

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 4:  (U.S. TABLOIDS OUT) Socialte Ghislaine Maxwell attends the Yves Saint Laure
Ghislaine Maxwell attends the Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche 57th Street Boutique Opening Party on September 4, 2003, in New York City (Evan Agostini/Getty Images) 

“She’s already been convicted,” Comer said, adding that Maxwell remains “the most important witness still alive” in the Epstein case. 

While her attorneys have indicated she could refuse to answer questions, Comer noted that witnesses sometimes change their approach once sworn in.

He added that the deposition will be conducted virtually due to Maxwell’s incarceration, a standard procedure for inmate testimony.

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