Bill Clinton Says He “Knew Nothing” About Epstein Crimes in Congressional Testimony

Former President Bill Clinton says he had no knowledge of the crimes committed by disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, insisting in congressional testimony that he never witnessed any behavior that raised concerns during the time the two men were acquainted.

In an opening statement submitted to the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, Clinton said he “had no idea” Epstein was involved in criminal activity and maintained that he would have severed ties immediately had he known.

Clinton wrote that his upbringing in a home affected by domestic abuse made the allegations especially disturbing to him. He said he would never have traveled with Epstein if he had suspected wrongdoing and would have reported him to authorities instead.

As someone who grew up in a home with domestic abuse, not only would I not have flown on his plane if I had any inkling of what he was doing—I would have turned him in myself and led the call for justice for his crimes, not sweetheart deals. pic.twitter.com/0rX8cat5Pu

— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) February 27, 2026

“I know what I saw, and more importantly, what I didn’t see,” Clinton said in the statement, adding that Epstein managed to conceal his crimes from many people for years. Clinton noted that by the time Epstein pleaded guilty to sex-related charges in 2008, he had already ended his association with the financier.

Records and previously released materials show that Clinton flew on Epstein’s private plane several times in the early 2000s and that Epstein visited the White House during Clinton’s presidency. Clinton has maintained that these interactions were tied to charitable and diplomatic effort.

Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell has also drawn renewed attention in connection with the former president. Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year prison sentence for her role in Epstein’s crimes, reportedly told investigators that she had a “very central” role in helping establish the Clinton Global Initiative. Documents indicate she participated in early planning and coordination for the initiative’s first conference.

Records and previously released materials show that Clinton flew on Epstein’s private plane several times in the early 2000s and that Epstein visited the White House during Clinton’s presidency. Clinton has maintained that these interactions were tied to charitable and diplomatic efforts.

Maxwell was also said to have social connections with the Clinton family, including attending the wedding of Chelsea Clinton. In past statements, both Bill and Hillary Clinton have said their interactions with Maxwell were limited.

Clinton’s testimony comes amid ongoing scrutiny surrounding newly released Epstein-related documents, which include photos, flight logs, and correspondence involving prominent public figures. The former president has denied any wrongdoing and reiterated that he was unaware of Epstein’s criminal conduct during the time they were in contact.