Trump Voices Unease Over Republican Investigation into Clinton-Epstein Links
Former President Donald Trump has publicly expressed his discomfort regarding a Republican-led investigation into ex-President Bill Clinton's associations with the convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. In a notable departure from party lines, Trump indicated he may be at odds with the probe being conducted by the House Oversight Committee.
Clinton Depositions Scheduled Amid Transparency Demands
The House Oversight Committee has been engaged in negotiations with Bill and Hillary Clinton to secure their testimonies as part of the panel's ongoing Epstein investigation. This week, it was confirmed that Bill Clinton will sit for a deposition on February 27, while Hillary Clinton is scheduled to appear before the committee the previous day. The former first lady has insisted that these proceedings be conducted publicly to ensure transparency.
'It bothers me that somebody is going after Bill Clinton,' Trump stated in an interview with NBC News on Wednesday. 'See, I like Bill Clinton. I still like Bill Clinton,' he elaborated. 'I liked his behavior toward me. I thought he got me. He understood me.'
Contrast with Republican Committee Leadership
Trump's remarks stand in stark contrast to the position held by House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, the Republican spearheading the investigation. Comer has accused the Clintons of delaying their appearances and defying congressional orders. When questioned by the Daily Mail about Trump's apparent defense of Clinton, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt attributed it to a 'good relationship' between the two former presidents.
'The President has respect for the former president,' Leavitt explained. 'They shared a good relationship.'
Potential Influence and Political Reactions
Given Trump's considerable influence over Republicans in Congress, he theoretically possesses the authority to instruct Chairman Comer to halt the investigation and cancel the Clintons' depositions. However, there is no indication that such action will be taken. The House Oversight Committee has declined to comment on the matter.
Initially, the Clintons resisted the committee's request for depositions, arguing they were unnecessary. They have since shifted their stance, advocating for on-camera hearings instead of closed-door sessions to promote openness. 'You love to talk about transparency,' Hillary Clinton wrote on Thursday. 'There's nothing more transparent than a public hearing, cameras on. We will be there.' Their agreement to participate followed Comer's threat to hold them in contempt of Congress for non-compliance.
Backlash from Trump Supporters and Historical Context
Trump's sudden show of support for the former Democratic leader has ignited fury among some of his staunchest supporters. Juanita Broaddrick, a fervent Trump supporter who alleges she was raped by Bill Clinton in 1978, reacted strongly: 'This is bothersome. Bill Clinton is a serial sexual predator and rapist.'
Trump's recent comments also mark a departure from his previous stance. In November, he directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate Jeffrey Epstein's involvement and relationship with Bill Clinton. Additionally, Trump has frequently highlighted Clinton's numerous visits to Epstein's private island, claiming, 'And by the way, I never went to the island, and Bill Clinton went there supposedly 28 times,' as he stated in July 2025. Trump himself once socialized with Epstein but has since spoken about the deterioration of their relationship.
