Rep. Lauren Boebert’s Leaked Photo Halts Hillary Clinton’s Historic Epstein Deposition Amid Political Firestorm
In a dramatic turn during a high-stakes congressional inquiry, the closed-door deposition of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was temporarily paused Thursday after Colorado Republican Representative Lauren Boebert shared an unauthorized photo of Clinton from the session with conservative influencer Benny Johnson, who promptly posted it on social media.[1][2][3]
The incident, which violated House Oversight Committee rules prohibiting media or images from closed depositions, unfolded in Chappaqua, New York, where Clinton was testifying under subpoena about her knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes.[1][2] Epstein, the disgraced financier who died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, had long been linked to prominent figures, including the Clintons.[4]
Deposition Details and Clinton’s Statements
Clinton’s testimony marks a historic moment, as she and former President Bill Clinton are the first former presidential couple compelled to appear before a congressional committee under subpoena.[3] Bill Clinton’s deposition is scheduled for Friday, representing the first time a former U.S. president has been forced to testify in such a manner.[1]
At the outset, Clinton firmly stated she had “no knowledge” of Epstein’s or Ghislaine Maxwell’s crimes, adding, “Like every decent person, I have been horrified by what we have learned about their crimes.”[1] She previously acknowledged that her husband flew on Epstein’s plane for charitable trips but claimed no recollection of meeting Epstein herself. Clinton had interacted with Maxwell, Epstein’s associate currently serving a prison sentence for sex trafficking, at Clinton Foundation conferences and noted Maxwell’s attendance at daughter Chelsea Clinton’s 2010 wedding.[1][4]
The Clintons had offered sworn statements in lieu of live testimony, but House Oversight Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) rejected them, threatening criminal contempt charges.[1] Comer emphasized that “no one’s accusing [the Clintons] of any wrongdoing” at this stage but insisted they answer questions from the American public.[4] Republicans on the committee plan to probe Epstein’s potential role as a foreign asset, his wealth accumulation, and funds directed to the Clinton Foundation.[3]
The Leak and Immediate Fallout
The deposition halted briefly after Boebert snapped the photo during a break and sent it to Johnson, who captioned his X post: “BREAKING: The first image of Hillary Clinton testifying under oath about Jeffrey Epstein… Clinton does not look happy. Photo provided by Rep. Lauren Boebert.”[2][3][4]
Clinton spokesperson Nick Merrill told reporters the pause allowed time to “figure out where the photo came from and why possibly members of Congress are violating House rules.”[3] Democratic lawmakers, including top Oversight Democrat Robert Garcia, condemned the act as “unacceptable and a clear violation.” Garcia noted Clinton graciously continued after the interruption.[2]
Boebert defended herself on X, claiming “Benny did wrong” and insisting she faced no reprimand from Comer and did not violate rules.[2][3] The deposition resumed after the pause and was expected to continue for several hours, with a full recording to be released publicly later.[2][3]
Broader Context of Epstein Probe
This testimony stems from mounting pressure on Capitol Hill for accountability in Epstein’s network of abuse involving underage girls.[1] President Donald Trump, who has expressed regret over the Clintons’ compelled appearances, released Epstein case files last year amid similar demands.[1]
Democrats argue the inquiry risks setting a dangerous precedent for politicized subpoenas against political opponents, while Republicans highlight unanswered questions about Clinton Foundation ties to Epstein.[5] After hours of questioning, Democrats reported Clinton had answered every query posed.[1]
Political Reactions and Implications
The leak has intensified partisan divides. Coverage from CBS News, NBC News, and Axios described it as a “dust-up” and “derailment,” underscoring Boebert’s penchant for provocative actions.[2][3][5] Boebert, known for her fiery conservative stance, has faced criticism before for rule-bending antics, but this incident drew swift bipartisan rebuke from Democrats and scrutiny from her own party’s leadership.[1][6]
As Bill Clinton’s testimony looms, the Epstein saga continues to captivate Washington, blending unresolved questions of elite accountability with raw political theater. The full depositions, once released, are expected to fuel further debate on Epstein’s shadowy influence and the Clintons’ peripheral connections.[1][3]
The Oversight Committee’s probe shows no signs of abating, with Comer vowing to pursue transparency. Whether Boebert faces formal consequences remains unclear, but the episode has already amplified the inquiry’s visibility, drawing millions of views to Johnson’s post and related coverage.[2][4]