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By Anna Commander
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House Speaker Mike Johnson on Tuesday reacted to former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announcing their intent to defy subpoenas from the House Oversight Committee related to the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, saying "by definition it's a contempt of Congress."
Why It Matters
The standoff raises questions about the enforcement of subpoenas, the extent of Congress' contempt powers and scrutiny of political figures' past associations.
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No new allegations have been leveled against the Clintons as a result of the subpoenas, but the controversy continues to fuel debate over accountability and oversight in government investigations, particularly those with high political stakes.
What To Know
The House Oversight Committee, led by Representative James Comer, a Kentucky Republican, issued subpoenas for depositions from Bill and Hillary Clinton as part of its investigation into the Justice Department’s handling of the Epstein case.
Bill was scheduled for a deposition on Tuesday and Hillary on Wednesday, according to Politico.
The Clintons, through a joint letter delivered Tuesday, stated their intent to refuse to comply. They argued that the demands were politically motivated and provided sworn statements—similar to submissions accepted by the committee from other former officials—declaring that they have no relevant information to add to the inquiry.
Reacting on Tuesday, Johnson said to CNN's Manu Raju, when asked if the House panel should speak with President Donald Trump about his previous relationship with Epstein, that Trump "has addressed this issue ad nauseum."
"The Clintons have not," Johnson said. "I think it's a defiance of Congress for them to defy the subpoena. I mean I think by definition it's a contempt of Congress.
"I think the people are owed answers," he added.
When reached for comment on Tuesday, Johnson's office shared with Newsweek the speaker's earlier comments to reporters saying in part: "I think by definition, if you defy a subpoena of Congress, it is contempt. So I haven't seen–I've been in meetings–I haven't seen if someone has drawn that up already, but we'll have to process it."
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What People Are Saying
GOP Oversight Committee, on X on Tuesday: "Bill Clinton seems to think he's above the law and refused to show for his deposition today. @GOPoversight will begin contempt of Congress proceedings against former President Clinton for his failure to appear before Congress after a historic bipartisan subpoena."
Representative Nancy Mace, a South Carolina Republican, on X on Tuesday: "Bill Clinton just refused to show up for his deposition in the Epstein investigation for the second time. We fully support @GOPOversight holding Bill Clinton in contempt. No one is above the law. Not even a former president. Survivors deserve answers. Silence protects predators."
Democratic Party strategist Donna Brazile, replying to the Clintons' letter on X on Tuesday: "This is how you do it. Thank you Mr President and Madam Former First Lady, US Senator and Secretary of State. You fight back and we will stand with you."
What Happens Next
Should the committee vote to officially hold them in contempt, the resolution would move to a full vote in the House, which requires a simple majority.
Update 1/13/26, 5:29 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
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