In a blistering escalation of the House Oversight Committee’s long-running investigation into the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) sharply criticized former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Thursday, accusing the couple of cowardice and deliberate obstruction. “They are cowardly, evasive, and deliberately ignoring subpoenas issued back in August,” Comer declared during a press availability on Capitol Hill, warning that contempt of Congress proceedings could be initiated if the Clintons continue to stonewall the committee’s demands for testimony.

The remarks mark the latest chapter in a probe that has gripped Washington since early 2025, as Republicans seek to uncover what they describe as systemic failures in the federal handling of Epstein’s sex-trafficking network and potential protections afforded to high-profile associates. With thousands of newly released documents and photographs fueling public intrigue, Comer’s threat underscores the partisan firepower now aimed squarely at one of America’s most prominent political dynasties.

The Oversight Committee’s investigation, formally launched under Comer’s leadership, focuses on alleged lapses by the Department of Justice and FBI in prosecuting Epstein and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2022 for recruiting and grooming underage girls. Committee Republicans have zeroed in on Epstein’s extensive connections to powerful figures across politics, business, and entertainment, arguing that the financier received unusually lenient treatment for years—most notably a 2008 non-prosecution agreement in Florida that allowed him to plead guilty to lesser state charges.

Central to the current standoff are subpoenas issued on August 2, 2025, compelling Bill and Hillary Clinton to appear for closed-door depositions. The subpoenas, approved on a bipartisan basis by a subcommittee in July, sought testimony regarding the former president’s documented ties to Epstein. Flight logs from Epstein’s private jet—dubbed the “Lolita Express”—show Bill Clinton traveled on the aircraft at least 26 times between 2002 and 2003, often to destinations including Epstein’s private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands. While Clinton has repeatedly denied any knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities, insisting the trips were related to philanthropic work through the Clinton Foundation, Republicans maintain he possesses critical insights into Epstein’s operations and enablers.

Hillary Clinton, who has no publicly documented flights or direct visits to Epstein’s properties, was subpoenaed for potentially relevant information stemming from her time as Secretary of State and her role in the Clinton family’s political network. Comer has suggested that both Clintons could shed light on how Epstein cultivated influence within elite circles.

According to Comer, the Clintons’ legal team—led by longtime attorney David Kendall—has engaged in months of delay tactics. Initial deposition dates proposed for October were postponed repeatedly, with attorneys citing scheduling conflicts and challenging the subpoenas’ scope and legality. “They are cowardly, evasive, and deliberately ignoring subpoenas issued back in August,” Comer told reporters, his voice rising with frustration. “For over four months, they’ve stalled, obstructed, and largely disregarded our efforts. If they don’t comply by scheduling testimony for December 17 or 18—or at the latest, early January—we will have no choice but to move forward with contempt proceedings.”

Contempt of Congress, a misdemeanor under federal law (2 U.S.C. § 192), carries potential penalties of up to one year in prison and fines. While rarely enforced against former high-ranking officials—precedents include Steve Bannon’s 2022 conviction, later impacted by presidential pardon dynamics—the threat carries significant political weight in the current Republican-controlled House.

The Clintons’ representatives fired back swiftly. A spokesperson for Bill Clinton reiterated longstanding denials of wrongdoing: “President Clinton has cooperated fully with prior investigations into Jeffrey Epstein and has nothing new to add. These subpoenas appear politically motivated and lack legitimate legislative purpose.” Hillary Clinton’s team echoed the sentiment, calling the probe a “partisan fishing expedition” designed to distract from other controversies.

Democrats on the committee have been equally vocal in their defense. Ranking member Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) accused Comer of selective outrage, pointing to the simultaneous release of thousands of Epstein-related photographs by Democratic staff—many depicting former President Donald Trump socializing with Epstein and Maxwell in the 1990s and early 2000s. “While Republicans obsess over decades-old flights taken for charitable purposes, they’re conveniently silent about their own party’s ties,” Raskin said in a statement. The photos, part of more than 95,000 images made public this week from Epstein’s estate, have reignited debates over Trump’s past praise for Epstein—he once called him a “terrific guy” in a 2002 interview—though Trump banned Epstein from Mar-a-Lago after learning of his behavior and has denied any involvement in criminal activities.

The timing of Comer’s threat could not be more charged. With President Trump back in the White House following his 2024 victory, the Department of Justice—now under new leadership loyal to the administration—would ultimately decide whether to prosecute any contempt referral from Congress. Legal experts note that enforcement against a former president would be unprecedented and likely trigger years of court battles over executive privilege and separation of powers.

Public reaction has been predictably polarized. On social media platform X, conservative influencers hailed Comer’s toughness as overdue accountability for the “Clinton machine.” Posts with hashtags like #ClintonEpstein and #HoldThemAccountable racked up tens of thousands of engagements, with users speculating about what testimony might reveal. “Finally someone has the guts to go after the real elites,” one viral post read. Progressive accounts countered by amplifying the newly released Trump photos, accusing Republicans of hypocrisy and weaponizing the tragedy of Epstein’s victims for political gain.

Victim advocates, meanwhile, expressed mixed feelings. Representatives from groups supporting Epstein’s survivors welcomed any effort to uncover the full extent of his network but cautioned against politicization. “The focus should remain on justice for the girls who were trafficked, not scoring points against political opponents,” said attorney Sigrid McCawley, who has represented multiple victims in civil suits against Epstein’s estate.

As the deadline approaches, pressure is mounting on both sides. Comer has indicated the full committee could vote on a contempt resolution as early as next week if no progress is made. Sources close to the Clintons suggest they may seek to quash the subpoenas in federal court, arguing the investigation exceeds Congress’s constitutional authority.

The Epstein saga, which began with his 2019 arrest and apparent suicide in federal custody, has long transcended party lines, ensnaring figures from Prince Andrew to Bill Gates. Yet in today’s hyper-partisan environment, it has become another battlefield in America’s endless culture war. Whether Comer’s aggressive stance forces new revelations or simply deepens gridlock remains to be seen.

For now, the Clintons—once the most powerful couple in global politics—find themselves in the unfamiliar position of defending against congressional subpoenas backed by a friendly Justice Department. As Comer warned reporters, “No one is above the law—not even former presidents and first ladies.” Whether that principle holds in practice may define the tone of oversight in the new Trump era.

The coming weeks promise high-stakes drama on Capitol Hill, with potential depositions, court filings, or contempt votes looming. Victims of Epstein’s crimes, many of whom have waited decades for full accountability, can only watch as Washington once again turns their pain into political theater.

One thing is certain: In the court of public opinion, the Epstein files are far from closed.