President Donald Trump on Tuesday described it as a “shame” that Republicans are compelling former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to testify as part of a congressional investigation into the late child sex predator Jeffrey Epstein, signaling his desire to close the chapter on a case that has lingered over Washington for years.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump was asked about deposition dates being set for the Clintons as his administration continues releasing files tied to Epstein’s case. The president acknowledged the ongoing disclosures but made clear he believes the nation should move forward rather than remain consumed by the controversy.
“It’s time to move on,” Trump said, emphasizing fatigue with the repeated focus on Epstein and the political fallout surrounding the investigation.
Trump’s comments were notable for their tone toward the Clintons. He referred to Hillary Clinton as a “smart” woman and said he has always liked Bill Clinton, remarks that cut against the deeply partisan climate that has long defined Washington. Bill Clinton was previously known to have been friendly with Epstein, a point that has drawn scrutiny as Congress pushes forward with depositions.
The president’s remarks come as Republicans continue to press ahead with their investigation, while some Democrats are signaling that they would pursue Trump himself if they regain control of Congress. Several Democrats have openly vowed to force Trump to testify under oath regarding his own past interactions with Epstein, should the political balance of power shift.
“We are absolutely going to have Donald Trump testify under oath,” Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Calif., told NBC News, underscoring how the Epstein issue remains a political weapon for Democrats eager to turn the investigation back on the president.
Meanwhile, House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer, R-Ky., announced this week that both Bill and Hillary Clinton will appear for a deposition on February 27. The move follows months of resistance from the Clintons after subpoenas were initially issued.
Comer said the committee’s actions reflect a bipartisan agreement that no individual is above the law. In a statement, he said Republicans and Democrats on the Oversight Committee have been united in that principle, including when it comes to the Clintons.
“After delaying and defying duly issued subpoenas for six months, the House Oversight Committee moved swiftly to initiate contempt of Congress proceedings in response to their non-compliance,” Comer said.
The depositions mark a significant escalation in the investigation, even as Trump publicly downplays their importance and urges lawmakers to focus elsewhere. His remarks suggest a belief that continued attention on Epstein risks becoming an endless political exercise rather than a productive pursuit of accountability.
At the same time, the comments highlight the political tightrope Trump is walking. While Republicans in Congress pursue testimony from prominent Democrats, the president is signaling restraint, perhaps wary of how easily the same investigative machinery could be turned against him.
As the administration continues to release Epstein-related files and Congress prepares for high-profile depositions, the issue shows little sign of disappearing from the national conversation. Still, Trump’s message from the White House was clear: the country has spent enough time relitigating the Epstein case, and it may be time for Washington to finally move on.
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