Protester outside Hillary Clinton deposition blasts Trump, GOP over Epstein files

The protester described the hearing as a 'Republican circus' and said he was there to defend democracy and free speech
David Leedy, a Mount Kisco resident, stood outside the venue holding a sign urging lawmakers to expose all Epstein files (Credit-Associated Press)
David Leedy, a Mount Kisco resident, stood outside the venue holding a sign urging lawmakers to expose all Epstein files (Credit-Associated Press)

CHAPPAQUA, NEW YORK: A protester outside Hillary Clinton’s deposition strongly criticized President Trump and the GOP while Clinton told lawmakers she knew nothing about Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes during her deposition on Thursday, February 26.

This six-hour testimony is the first of two days of questioning that will also include her husband, former President Bill Clinton.

'Hillary never should have been there,' says a local man protesting the GOP-led Epstein inquiry (Screengrab/cbs8)
'Hillary never should have been there,' said a local man protesting the GOP-led Epstein inquiry (Screengrab/cbs8)

Protester assails Trump and GOP over Epstein files

David Leedy, a resident of Mount Kisco, stood outside the building to voice his anger over the investigation while holding a sign that read, "Comer! Expose all the Epstein files!" He argued that the deposition was an attack and that other people should have been questioned instead. 

"Hillary never should have been there," Leedy told reporters as she was testifying inside. 

"If Hillary's here, there's a whole list of other people, Melania, of course, Donald, Witkoff. I mean, there are quite a few people that should have here before Hillary, and they're just trying to throw dirt on her," he said.

Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton speaks to the press after testifying in a closed-door deposition with the House Oversight Committee at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center on February 26, 2026 in Chappaqua, New York. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton provided testimony to the Republican-led House Oversight Committee as part of an ongoing inquiry into the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's case. Former U.S. President Bill Clinton is expected to testify tomorrow. (Photo by David Dee Delgado/Getty Images)
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton speaks to the press after testifying in a closed-door deposition with the House Oversight Committee at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center on February 26, 2026 in Chappaqua, New York (David Dee Delgado/Getty Images)

Protester calls hearing a 'Republican circus'

When asked why he decided to show up, Leedy explained that he felt it was his duty to protect basic rights that he believes are being taken away. 

He stated he was there "Just to defend democracy and to stand up for freedom of speech, which is slowly being taken away under the Trump regime. And this is all under Trump's orders to be doing this today. Hillary never should have been there.”

He added, “Bill Clinton is a little different story. He's got a lot to dig out from, but I think he'll do it. And it's a circus. It's just a Republican circus."

DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 16: U.S. President Donald Trump exits Air Force One for the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 16, 2025 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump exits Air Force One for the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 16, 2025 in Daytona Beach, Florida (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Deposition paused after Republican Rep broke rule

Notably, the internal proceedings faced a disruption when Republican Rep Lauren Boebert allegedly violated committee rules by sending a photo of Hillary Clinton to a conservative influencer, who then shared it on social media. 

This breach caused the deposition to be temporarily paused and led the former Secretary of State to repeat her longstanding demand that the testimony be made open to the public and the press. 

It is to be noted that the Clintons only agreed to appear after House Oversight Chairman James Comer, R-Ky, rejected their offers of written sworn statements and threatened them with criminal contempt charges. 

The process now shifts toward Bill Clinton, whose upcoming testimony on February 27 marks the first time a former US president has been legally compelled to testify before a congressional body.

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

A White House spokesperson called Maines a “despicable nobody,” reigniting debate over the singer’s long history of political controversy
53 minutes ago
Trump also said that before he took charge, the Reflecting Pool 'leaked from all angles, drew dirt, grime, and decay, was often filled with garbage'
56 minutes ago
Prosecutors alleged Carmen Lineberger disguised confidential Justice Department files as 'Bundt_Cake_Recipe.pdf' emails
56 minutes ago
Vanessa Trump said she remains hopeful during treatment and thanked supporters while asking for privacy during her recovery
2 hours ago
Jeff Bezos addresses Amazon’s funding of the Melania Trump documentary in a CNBC interview
7 hours ago
Barney Frank leaves a legacy of financial reform, progressive politics and LGBTQ equality
10 hours ago
David Axelrod explained that Donald Trump is popular with GOP voters but lacks wider appeal, creating a dilemma for Republicans in general elections
17 hours ago
Cynthia West shared a video congratulating Trump on a huge Kentucky victory, praising his America First agenda and calling America worth fighting for
18 hours ago
Hawaa said her father Amin Abdullah often skipped meals while guarding the mosque because he was focused on protecting children and worshippers
19 hours ago
Donike Gocaj died after falling into an uncovered Midtown Manhattan manhole near the Cartier store after exiting her Mercedes-Benz
20 hours ago