Clinton, Trump entangled in Epstein probe fallout

The US House Oversight Committee, led by Republican James Comer, has subpoenaed Bill and Hillary Clinton and eight other prominent figures as part of its investigation into the federal handling of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Also subpoenaed are former Attorneys General Merrick Garland, Loretta Lynch, Eric Holder, Alberto Gonzales, Jeff Sessions, and William Barr, as well as former FBI Directors James Comey and Robert Mueller. The panel is seeking Justice Department records related to Epstein, Maxwell, human trafficking, and prior non-prosecution agreements. Depositions are planned through the fall, with Bill Clinton slated for 14 October. The move follows the Trump administration’s decision not to release additional Epstein files, which sparked outrage among some Trump supporters and others. Ghislaine Maxwell’s potential testimony has been postponed, and she opposes releasing grand jury transcripts. It remains unclear if the subpoenaed individuals will appear or testify publicly.

US Attorney General Pam Bondi has directed prosecutors to present evidence to a grand jury on whether opponents of Donald Trump conspired to falsely tie him to Russian collusion during the 2016 election. It’s unclear who might face charges. The move follows renewed debate after a declassified appendix from Special Counsel John Durham referenced alleged emails suggesting a Clinton-linked plan to smear Trump, though Durham found no proof of an FBI conspiracy and did not authenticate the emails. Open Society Foundations called the emails crude forgeries. Previous probes concluded Russia sought to aid Trump in 2016, while the Mueller report found no coordination between Trump’s campaign and Russia. Former intelligence chiefs John Brennan and James Comey reportedly face related criminal scrutiny, which they deny.

CNN reports the Trump administration recorded two days of interviews between Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche and Ghislaine Maxwell and is considering releasing a transcript, amid broader efforts to manage the politically explosive Jeffrey Epstein scandal. The move, along with Maxwell’s unexplained prison transfer to a less restrictive facility, has fueled ethical and legal concerns, victim backlash, and new conspiracy theories. The White House says a release could show Epstein’s ties to many prominent figures, not just Trump, but critics warn it risks harming victims, unfairly implicating uninvolved people, and elevating Maxwell’s credibility. Trump refuses to rule out clemency for Maxwell and says he didn’t direct Blanche’s talks. Meanwhile, the House Oversight Committee subpoenaed the Justice Department and multiple figures for Epstein-related records, ensuring the controversy will persist. Victims support transparency but urge protection of their safety and privacy.

In a CNN interview, President Donald Trump said he was unaware of and did not approve Ghislaine Maxwell’s prison transfer. When asked about Maxwell’s credibility as a witness, he sidestepped and instead praised Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.

CNN’s Paula Reid reports that the Trump administration has backtracked on its earlier pledge to release additional materials related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, leaving uncertainty over whether President Trump will make the “Epstein files” public. The segment outlines the latest status and implications of the reversal but offers no firm timeline or commitment for disclosure.

The Trump Justice Department, led by Attorney General Pam Bondi, has authorized prosecutors to investigate the origins of the 2016 Russia inquiry and potentially present evidence to a South Florida grand jury, reflecting President Trump’s push to act against officials he accuses of orchestrating a “Russia hoax.” Details remain unclear, including targets and potential charges, and significant legal obstacles—especially statutes of limitations—could limit outcomes. The move, revealed via right-leaning media, appears aimed at satisfying Trump’s base and diverting attention from backlash over the Epstein files. The department is hesitant to use a D.C. grand jury, seen as hostile, and has moved more slowly on Biden-era figures, though a separate office is probing former special counsel Jack Smith for a possible Hatch Act violation. Trump and allies have escalated rhetoric for arrests, with pressure from conservative lawmakers and pardoned Jan. 6 rioters. The initiative follows a referral from Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and the creation of a multiagency “strike force,” signaling a broader political campaign even if prosecutions are unlikely.