Story perspectives

Former Presidents Testify on Epstein Links Before Congress

3/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

The depositions mark first-time testimony of former U.S. presidents before Congress.
William Jefferson Clinton, the former U.S. president, said he ended his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein before Epstein's 2008 guilty plea and denied wrongdoing.
He recalled a conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Epstein and said Trump did not imply wrongdoing.
Hillary Rodham Clinton asserted she never met Epstein, criticized his lenient 2008 sentence, and left after photo leak.

History

Historical Context

The Watergate scandal, which began with a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters on June 17, 1972, culminated in President Richard Nixon's resignation on August 9, 1974. The Senate Watergate Committee's televised hearings revealed extensive misconduct, leading to Nixon's impeachment for obstruction of justice and abuse of power. This pivotal moment reshaped public trust in government and established lasting accountability standards for political figures.

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Story summary

The depositions mark first-time testimony of former U.S. presidents before Congress.
William Jefferson Clinton, the former U.S. president, said he ended his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein before Epstein's 2008 guilty plea and denied wrongdoing.
He recalled a conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Epstein and said Trump did not imply wrongdoing.
Hillary Rodham Clinton asserted she never met Epstein, criticized his lenient 2008 sentence, and left after photo leak.

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