WASHINGTON: A US lawmaker has called for former presidents Donald Trump and Bill Clinton to testify before a congressional panel reviewing files related to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The remarks were made during a hearing at which former secretary of state Hillary Clinton appeared as part of the panel’s proceedings.
According to statements delivered during the session, Rep. Garcia said the committee should hear directly from both former presidents, signaling bipartisan interest in questioning prominent political figures whose past associations have drawn public attention in connection with the broader Epstein case.
The lawmaker also referred to references in the reviewed documents, stating that “47 appears more times in files than former prez,” an apparent reference to Trump in the context of current political discourse. He added that the former president should appear before the committee to address the matter publicly.
The congressional panel is examining documents and records linked to Epstein, whose network of associates has remained under scrutiny following multiple investigations. Lawmakers have said the objective of the hearings is to ensure transparency and determine whether additional testimony from high-profile individuals is warranted.
Neither Trump nor Bill Clinton had issued a public response to the call for testimony at the time of filing this report. The panel has yet to formally issue any subpoenas in connection with the remarks made during the hearing.
The renewed focus on Epstein-related records has resurfaced political debate in Washington, as figures from both major parties face questions regarding past associations. Observers say the panel’s next course of action will determine whether the inquiry expands to include direct testimony from former presidents.