Could the Clintons Go to Prison?

Summary

Podcast Summary

Episode Overview

Podcast: Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes Present
Episode: Could the Clintons Go to Prison?
Date: January 13, 2026
Hosts: Amy Robach, T.J. Holmes

In this episode, Amy and TJ provide an in-depth breakdown of the unfolding political drama surrounding Bill and Hillary Clinton’s refusal to comply with a Congressional subpoena regarding the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. The hosts discuss the legal and political stakes, walk through the Clintons’ strongly worded letter to Congress, explore historical precedents, and comment on the likelihood—and spectacle—of Congressional contempt charges being successfully prosecuted against a former president and first lady.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Clintons Defy Congressional Subpoenas (01:06 – 04:19)

• Background:
  Bill Clinton was scheduled to testify before Congress on January 13, with Hillary Clinton set for the following day. Both sent an eight-page joint letter refusing to appear, despite being subpoenaed.

  “He could have just put four words on there. Kiss my entire ass.”
  — T.J. Holmes (01:13)

• Legal Backdrop:
  Subpoenas are legally binding. Ignoring them is a crime, potentially leading to charges of criminal contempt and even imprisonment. However, this is exceedingly rare, with the last successful prosecution in 1974 during Watergate.

  “Do you know the last time a contempt of Congress charge was successfully prosecuted? Watergate. We’re talking 1974. G. Gordon Liddy. That is how rare this is.”
  — Amy Robach (02:31)

• Political Standoff:
  The hosts characterize the situation as a “game of chicken,” emphasizing that previous subpoenaed witnesses were allowed to submit written testimony. The Clintons argue this differential treatment reinforces the political nature of the investigation.

  “They said seven of the eight people subpoenaed were allowed to just submit written testimony… The Clintons say they have already given the limited information they have to Congress and there is nothing more for them to give.”
  — Amy Robach (03:50)

2. The Spectacle & Media Chess Moves (04:19 – 05:29)

• Public Showmanship:
  Bill and Hillary predicted that the committee would hold a press conference with an empty chair to dramatize their absence—exactly what happened.

  “In the letter, they even suggested, ‘I bet you’re going to… have an empty chair to show where I should have been sitting.’ Sure enough, Representative Comer… had a chair left empty.”
  — Amy Robach (04:48)

• Experience with Scandal:
  The hosts highlight Bill Clinton’s long familiarity with media spectacle and political adversity.

  “Who knows it better than Bill Clinton? Everything that’s come at him over the past… 40, 50 years… he’s seen it all.”
  — T.J. Holmes (05:29)

3. Legal Process & Potential Consequences (05:51 – 06:46, 16:27 – 16:58)

• Contempt Charge Steps:
  For criminal contempt charges to be successful, the Oversight Committee must vote, then the full House, then the DOJ decides whether to prosecute.

  “If that passes the panel, the full House votes to go forward… then the DOJ has to make the decision…”
  — Amy Robach (05:51)

• Penalties:
  The maximum penalty is a $100,000 fine and up to a year in prison for each Clinton. The hosts, however, view actual jail time as highly unlikely:

  “A former president and a former first lady and a former senator… No, this is not, it’s not happening.”
  — T.J. Holmes (16:53)

4. Content of the Clintons’ Letter to Congress (07:40 – 10:16, 13:19 – 15:06)

• Sweeping Critique:
  The Clintons’ letter, partly read aloud, denounces recent government actions and frames their refusal as a principled stand “no matter the consequence for us. Now is that time.”
  (08:41)

• Accusing Congress of Partisanship:
  The Clintons claim that the investigation is politically motivated, designed to “embarrass political rivals as President Trump has directed.”
  (14:14)

• Disrupting the GOP Agenda:
  The letter even boasts that if this spectacle distracts the GOP from their legislative agenda, “so be it.”

  “Indeed, bringing the Republicans’ cruel agenda to a standstill while you work harder to pass a contempt charge against us… would be our contribution to fighting the madness.”
  — Bill & Hillary Clinton, quoted by Amy Robach (09:08)

• No New Information:
  They reiterate that whatever information they had was already voluntarily provided and any further action is for show.

5. The Epstein Connection (10:29 – 11:28)

• Bill Clinton’s Relationship to Epstein:
  The hosts clarify the timeline—Clinton’s interactions with Epstein predated the latter’s 2007 conviction. Nonetheless, political opponents continue to exploit public curiosity about the Clinton-Epstein connection.

  “There are plenty of pictures. Bill Clinton… said they were done nothing more than to embarrass him. And he was pictured with Epstein specifically before he was accused of any… wrongdoing.”
  — Amy Robach (10:29)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “He could have just put four words on there. Kiss my entire ass.”
  — T.J. Holmes (01:13)

• “Do you know the last time a contempt of Congress charge was successfully prosecuted where someone actually was charged, convicted, and actually punished? Watergate. We’re talking 1974. G. Gordon Liddy. That is how rare this is.”
  — Amy Robach (02:31)

• “Indeed, bringing the Republicans' cruel agenda to a standstill while you work harder to pass a contempt charge against us than you have done on your investigation this past year would be our contribution to fighting the madness.”
  — Bill & Hillary Clinton’s letter, quoted by Amy Robach (09:08)

• “Your move, partner.”
  — T.J. Holmes (15:06)

• “A former president and a former first lady and a former senator… No, this is not, it's not happening.”
  — T.J. Holmes (16:53)

• “This is history happening… But it seems surreal. And yes, where it all ends, no one knows.”
  — Amy Robach (17:12)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Clintons refuse subpoena, send pointed letter: 01:06 – 04:19
• Spectacle and media antics: 04:19 – 05:29
• Legal explanations of contempt charges: 05:51 – 06:46, 16:27 – 16:58
• The Clintons’ letter—contents and argument: 07:40 – 10:16, 13:19 – 15:06
• Epstein-Clinton timeline context and controversy: 10:29 – 11:28
• Discussion on likelihood of prosecution and closing predictions: 16:27 – 17:44

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Conclusion: Hosts’ Predictions & Tone

The episode’s tone is brisk, irreverent, and political, with both hosts treating the proceedings as part spectacle and part serious political maneuvering. They are skeptical that Congress will pursue real penalties against the Clintons, and frame the entire episode as high-stakes political theater.

Closing predictions:

• Amy expects the contempt vote will not succeed: “There won’t be the votes.” (17:33)
• TJ reserves judgment, waiting for Hillary Clinton’s response.

For Listeners Who Missed the Show

This episode documents a uniquely American political standoff: scandal, spectacle, calculated defiance, and legislative gamesmanship. The hosts keep things sharp and lively, with genuine legal context, candid quotes, and behind-the-scenes insights into where politics and the law collide. If you want a summary of the Clintons’ standoff with Congress in the context of the Epstein probe—and what “contempt of Congress” really means in 2026—this episode covers all the angles.

Transcript

[Amy Robach]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[TJ Holmes]

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[Amy Robach]

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[TJ Holmes]

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[Amy Robach]

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[Josh Zeman]

A decade ago, I was on the trail of one of the country's most elusive serial killers. But it wasn't until 2023 when he was finally caught, the answers were there, hidden in plain sight. So why did it take so long to catch him? I'm Josh Zeman, and this is Monster Hunting the Long Island Serial Killer, the investigation into the most notorious killer in New York since the Son of Sam. Available now listen for on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, wherever you get your podcasts.

[TJ Holmes]

Hey there, folks. It is Tuesday, January 13, the day that former President Bill Clinton was supposed to show up in Congress and give some testimony. Well, he didn't show up. He sent a letter instead. And with that, welcome to this episode of Amy and TJ Robes. It's a kind of a long letter, but he could have just put four words on there. Kiss my entire ass.

[Amy Robach]

I wondered where the fourth one was coming. Yeah, you went with entire. All right. No, instead, he, alongside his wife, Hillary Clinton, she was set to testify tomorrow. He was supposed to testify today. And I say supposed to. They were subpoenaed to testify today and tomorrow. They sent a joint letter. It was eight pages long. And it was kind of like, well, they ended the game of chicken because this has been a standoff that's been going on for months now. And they basically put it very clearly, do what you need to do. We're doing what we need to do.

[TJ Holmes]

Yeah. Yeah. It's a game of chicken. These are some pretty big chickens they sent into this fight for them because these letters came from some really high profile and high powered attorneys written on their behalf and laying out all the arguments for why they're not legally required to show up. If they don't show up, you're subpoenaed by Congress.

[Josh Zeman]

They.

[TJ Holmes]

And you don't show up, that is a crime. And they can be held in criminal contempt and throw the Clintons in jail.

[Amy Robach]

Correct. Even the Clintons even address the possibility of imprisonment. And they are just saying this is their time to take a stand. By the way, the last time, do you know the last Time a contempt of Congress charge was successfully prosecuted where someone actually was charged, convicted, and actually punished. Watergate. We're talking 1974. G. Gordon Liddy. That is how rare this is. That is how rarely it's used. It might be threatened more than it should be. But if they go forward with this, and James Comer, Republican from Kentucky, chairman of the House Oversight Committee, says that he is going to file contempt of Congress charges against the Clintons next week.

[TJ Holmes]

If, if, if this committee has the vote on these contempt charges and then it has to go to the full House and all kinds of stuff and steps have to take place before we get to that. Can you imagine? We're going to get to it. They were supposed to, yes, he was supposed to testify today, she was supposed to testify tomorrow. This was still supposed to be behind closed doors. So it wasn't supposed to be necessarily a public spectacle. Their argument is everyone else that you subpoenaed as a part of this, you waived their requirement to show up and testify. So why are we being treated differently?

[Amy Robach]

Correct. They said seven of the eight people subpoenaed were allowed to just submit written testimony, basically just saying in written form what they knew and when they knew it and how they knew it. And the Clintons say they have already given the limited information they have to Congress and there is nothing more for them to give. There's no more information for them to share. So this is a political game.

[TJ Holmes]

You, obviously anybody, no matter what side of the aisle you're on, you can understand that. Yes. This is clearly what we're looking at. And one of the funniest. It's not funny. It's whoever's representing Hillary Clinton, like, why is she even here? She got nothing to do with nothing.

[Amy Robach]

Yeah. She's like, I'm sorry, can someone explain to me why I'm involved in this in any way, shape or form?

[TJ Holmes]

She was not. And there are no accusations about, first of all, any wrong doing, any crime on his part ever. And also, she's never just been attached.

[Amy Robach]

To the guy, not even a little bit. And Comer even said today, no one is accusing Bill Clinton of anything, any wrongdoing. We just have questions. I thought you mentioned funny. Something else that was funny. We'll get into the letter and the contents because as you might imagine, it was very well crafted. But in the letter, they even suggested, I bet you're going to hold a press conference. I, I bet you're gonna have an empty chair to show where I should have been sitting today. Sure enough, Representative, comer when speaking to reporters just a short time ago, had a chair left empty to call attention to the fact that former President Clinton was not there. So it was funny. He even called him on it and they did it.

[TJ Holmes]

But it's a game. Who knows it better than Bill Clinton? Everything that's come at him over the past few 40, 50 years, oh my goodness, this guy, he's seen it all. But this is a show, this is a spectacle. Now how far are they going to take this thing and try to pursue now there is a DOJ right now that would probably happily because file charges.

[Amy Robach]

That is the last step. So if that passes the panel, the full House votes to go forward with these contempt of Congress charges, then the DOJ has to make the decision to prosecute. I think we all know that latter part of the equation is almost a sure thing.

[TJ Holmes]

They got this thing ready to go.

[Amy Robach]

Like they are ready to go.

[TJ Holmes]

Like those letters for the Kennedy Center. Pam Bondi is salivating right now, standing by right.

[Amy Robach]

What like what a legacy for her.

[TJ Holmes]

Waiting on all to prosecute.

[Amy Robach]

Prosecute Bill Clinton for contempt of Congress.

[TJ Holmes]

Maybe the Clintons. The Clintons, both of them. That would be something. But yes, you remember folks. Yes, the whole. Yes, the Epstein files are out I guess now. Ish.

[Amy Robach]

Not really. There's still millions of files left to you know, somehow they'll have to redact before they can release and then then if anything looks bad for the administration or anyone they don't want it to look bad for, they'll just say it's a false. But they're trickling bit of information that isn't true.

[TJ Holmes]

They're trickling.

[Amy Robach]

Yes.

[TJ Holmes]

A dump at a time I should probably say is a better way to put it. But yes, they have been coming out. But when these subpoenas were issued for the Clintons and others, it was before the files had come out. It was before Congress had made all this agree. So they everybody was still after the files and information at the time. So they subpoenaed all these folks. The Clintons were supposed to go in what, October, but then they had a funeral so they kept pushing it down. They claim there have been five, almost six months worth of back and forth. So what is the point of continuing this so letter that was directed to Chairman Comer about this subpoena starts pretty we can go back and forth the first five or so paragraphs. We'll just give it to you how they wrote it to Dear Chairman Comer.

[Amy Robach]

We want to take a moment, given everything, to address you directly this past year has seen our government engage in unprecedented acts, including against our own citizens. People have been seized by masked federal agents from their homes, their workplaces, and the streets of their communities. Students and scientists with visas permitting them to study and work here have been deported without due process. The people who laid siege to the US Capitol have been pardoned and called heroes. Agencies vital to the country's national security have been dismantled. Universities, media companies, law firms have been subjected to threats to their funding, access and licensing. He goes on and on and on, talking about, even most recently and searingly, an ICE agent killed an unarmed mother only days ago. So they. They lay all this out to say this. Every person has to decide when they have seen or had enough and are ready to fight for this country, its principles, and its people, no matter the consequence for us. Now is that time.

[TJ Holmes]

I don't know where it is in. In the letter, if you have it in front of you, but they. It's. You can isolate the line where they're making a point that they are contributing to disrupting the Republican and the Trump agenda, because you all are redirecting your time and your focus and your energy towards this stupid chase of the Clintons. And you know what? If we can distract you from screwing up the country, cool. I thought that was an interesting line.

[Amy Robach]

Yes, I was trying to find it. Oh, here it is. I love this. Indeed, bringing the Republicans cruel agenda to a standstill while you work harder to pass a contempt charge against us than you have done on your investigation this past year would be our contribution to fighting the madness. So, yes, they're saying if we can actually be the reason why you halt your cruel agenda, that they disagree with deportations, et cetera, yada, yada, and instead focus on trying to charge us, we'll take it. We'll be. We'll fall on that sword to. To disrupt your agenda. They did say that. They said, we have tried to give you the little information we have. We have done so because Mr. Epstein's crimes were horrific. If the government didn't do all it could to investigate and prosecute these crimes for whatever reason, that should be the focus of your work, to learn why and to prevent that from happening ever again. They said, instead, you have forced the victims to relive their painful experiences while doing little to give them and everybody else what's the deserved truth and justice. There is no plausible explanation for what you are doing other than partisan politics.

[TJ Holmes]

I mean. Yeah. Is anyone arguing that point? Do we really think Hillary Clinton is about to move? Is going to shake heaven and earth over the Epstein investigation.

[Amy Robach]

I do believe that there are people who believe Bill Clinton knows more than he's saying. And Comer even exploited that by saying that Jeffrey Epstein visited the White House during bill Clinton's presidency 17 times. I believe he said that today in today's presser. And so, yes, they continue to fan the flames that Bill Clinton. And look, there are plenty of pictures. Bill Clinton talked about those pictures. He said they were done nothing more than to embarrass him. And he was pictured with Epstein specifically before he was accused of any of the wrongdoing. It was an era before all of the allegations. That is a point to be made, and that is a point Bill Clinton.

[TJ Holmes]

Has made that is actually true. I'm not, I don't know if you remember a year off the top of your head, but it was somewhere around 2000 when the last, I think, interaction, or at least those two were known to have been together early 2000s.

[Amy Robach]

Correct.

[TJ Holmes]

Say, was it 20? What year was his charge in Florida?

[Amy Robach]

2007.

[TJ Holmes]

Seven.

[Amy Robach]

That was Epstein's charge was 2007.

[TJ Holmes]

So, yes, we know it. Is anyone arguing that this isn't what this is? Well, folks, this. That is part of the letter. Yes, we just shared there from the Clintons personally, but we'll also share some pretty strong language from the letter that the attorneys sent. Also, we will tell you just how much of a penalty the Clintons could be looking at, including jail time, if they are found in contempt of Congress. Stay here. Success starts with your drive, and American Public University is here to fuel it.

[Amy Robach]

With affordable tuition and over 200 flexible online programs, APU helps you gain the skills and confidence to move forward.

[TJ Holmes]

Whether you're changing careers, starting fresh, or pursuing a lifelong passion, APU's programs are designed for people who never stop.

[Amy Robach]

You bring the fire. APU will fuel the journey. Learn more at apu Apus. Edu. Welcome back, everyone, as we discuss this new potential contempt of Congress charge that could be levied against both Bill and Hillary Clinton. Today, Bill Clinton was subpoenaed to address the House Oversight Committee about what he knows about Jeffrey Epstein to answer questions from congressmen and women. He chose not to show up, as did Hillary Clinton. She was subpoenaed to show up tomorrow. And both of them, they sent a letter. They sent a personal letter from their letterhead from William Jefferson Clinton and Hillary Rodham Clinton directed specifically to Chairman James Comer. And they expressed and told Comer why they would not be attending this hearing today and tomorrow.

[TJ Holmes]

Yeah, because it's, it's B.S. first of all is what they argue we're being treated differently. Like we were just talking about a moment ago from the other witnesses that you allow to just wave showing up the lawyers, you won't know these law firms but you know, they're the type that have two names in it, Williams and Connolly, Jenner and Block, llp. You know, you know, big time folks. Well, they wrote a letter on behalf and this is the one that lays out a lot of the constitutional arguments. But robes, this is the paragraph that stands out saying to comer, as you know, absent a valid purpose and in light of the fact that President and Secretary Clinton have already shared more information with the committee voluntarily than the committee could obtain via the compulsory process, it is clear the subpoenas themselves and any subsequent attempt to enforce them are nothing more than a ploy to attempt to embarrass political rivals as President Trump has directed.

[Amy Robach]

Wow. Plain as day.

[TJ Holmes]

Like you all are following instruction.

[Amy Robach]

Yes.

[TJ Holmes]

And they have, they cite down below the exact time where the president has a quote in which he says Epstein was more tied to Democrats. Name them, call them out, embarrass them is what it said.

[Amy Robach]

Yes. And I thought this was, well, strong and powerful language by Bill and Hillary Clinton in their decision to not testify despite the subpoena. They said, you will say it is not our decision to make, but we have made it. Now you have to make yours. That game of chicken right there, they are looking comer and the committee in the face and saying, well, we are prepared to make our case to your 45 committee members and if need be more. More importantly, we will also defend ourselves in the public arena and ensure this country knows exactly what you are doing and why you are doing so.

[TJ Holmes]

Your move, partner.

[Amy Robach]

Exactly your move.

[TJ Holmes]

But some will suggest, I mean he could have immediately gone forward. I guess he can wait till tomorrow to see if Hillary Clinton is going to show up. At least that's gives him he can save some face. At least to say I'll give it a shot and wait and then he can say he's going to do it next week to still try to give time to work.

[Amy Robach]

Something he has already said next week. He's already given himself some leeway.

[TJ Holmes]

That's what I'm saying. He's looking for a political way out in where he doesn't look like he just lost to the Clintons.

[Amy Robach]

Well, what do you think though at this point he said that he is going to pursue contempt of Congress charges. How does he backpedal off of that. I mean he was used very strong language today. And yes, this letter from and Hillary used very strong language right back. Like bring it on. What's, what's, we're good.

[TJ Holmes]

What's the numbers game now? How many folks in Congress are going to do what Trump tells them to do and that you better vote for this contempt? How many on that panel are going to step and say this is silly, we don't need to be doing this, possibly a Republican to do that? I don't know. I don't think a single Democrat is going to vote to hold these two in contempt. I just don't. But now it becomes what do our constituents want us to do? What is MAGA going to be upset about? And so it becomes this kind of game. Now. What's gonna happen? This is. Okay, we shall see more high drama. No way to.

[Amy Robach]

Yes. But it should be noted if all of those things do happen, if the vote happens, if the full House votes.

[TJ Holmes]

Yep.

[Amy Robach]

And then if that happens. Yes, we know what Pam Bondi would do.

[TJ Holmes]

Yes.

[Amy Robach]

The Clintons are facing a fine up to $100,000 each they can cover and one year imprisonment.

[TJ Holmes]

That's gonna be tough. That's gonna be tough.

[Amy Robach]

That's hard to imagine happening.

[TJ Holmes]

It's ever, it's not going to a.

[Amy Robach]

Former president and a former first lady and a former senator.

[TJ Holmes]

No, this is not, it's not happening. Now I would argue, I mean, he's going out to calmer. He's going after a lot of folks he's trying to throw in in jail. Comey. Excuse me. I'm not. There's no reason to make this prediction. This is madness.

[Amy Robach]

Mad. Yes. And this is one of those moments where you actually, you're watching it happen and you know this is history happening. But it seems surreal. And yes, where it all ends, no one knows.

[TJ Holmes]

But let's get on the record. What's gonna happen next week?

[Amy Robach]

My guess is he will bring it.

[TJ Holmes]

To a vote and there won't be.

[Amy Robach]

The votes and there won't be the votes. That's what if I had to make a prediction, that would be my prediction. Okay, what is, what is your prediction?

[TJ Holmes]

Stay tuned. I don't want to say until I see what Hillary Clinton's going to do tomorrow. Right, folks, we always appreciate you spending some time with us. This is another developing story today, so we want to hop on and give you the update. We are keeping an eye on a couple of other things today, including a trial. So please top right corner of your Apple podcast app where it says follow where you see our show page, click that button and you can make sure you get the updates coming right to you. But for now, we appreciate you spending some time with us. I'm TJ Holmes. On behalf of my dear Amy Robot. Talk to you all soon. Success starts with your drive, and American Public University is here to fuel it.

[Amy Robach]

With affordable tuition and over 200 flexible online programs. And APU helps you gain the skills and confidence to move forward.

[TJ Holmes]

Whether you're changing careers, starting fresh, or pursuing a lifelong passion, APU's programs are designed for people who never stop.

[Amy Robach]

You bring the fire. APU will fuel the journey. Learn more at apu Apus Edu. You can't make the most of your data if it's stuck in different silos. If it's scattered across the cloud on prem and with your apps, then it's hard to access, hard to work with, and increasingly expensive. Now you can see it all and manage it all from one place. Welcome to Data Done Right. You can start managing your data, not your infrastructure. It's unified, simple, secure, and it's only with the pure storage platform. Get [e-mail] a decade ago, I was.

[Josh Zeman]

On the trail of one of the country's most elusive serial killers. But it wasn't until 2023 that when he was finally caught, the answers were there, hidden in plain sight. So why did it take so long to catch him? I'm Josh Zieman, and this is Monster Hunting the Long Island Serial Killer, the investigation into the most notorious killer in New York since the Son of Sam. Available now. Listen for free on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Amy Robach]

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.