The Briefing with Jen Psaki

Episode: Hillary Clinton makes fools of Republicans as 'gotcha' subpoena backfires
Date: February 27, 2026
Host: Jen Psaki (MS NOW)
Featured Guests: Hillary Clinton, Congresswoman Yasmin Ansari (D-AZ), Congressman James Walkinshaw (D-VA), Congressman Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Andrew Bakaj (Chief Legal Counsel, Whistleblower Aid)

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the closed-door testimony of Hillary Clinton before the House Oversight Committee, as part of an investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes and associates. The hearing—demanded by Republicans—quickly became contentious over issues of transparency, rules violations, and the apparent lack of substantive inquiry. Jen Psaki, along with congressional guests and expert voices, discusses the political motivations, what actually unfolded during the deposition, and broader questions about accountability in the ongoing Epstein, Trump, and transparency scandals. The episode closes with coverage of overlapping controversies: attempts to change election law by executive order, antitrust concerns in media consolidation, and a whistleblower complaint over Trump administration conduct.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Clinton Deposition: "A Clown Show"

[00:50–03:22] Setting the Stage & Rules Violations

• Hillary Clinton's testimony was initially scheduled as a closed-door deposition, against her own request for a public hearing “[We had asked for that. We think it would have been better for the committee.]” — Hillary Clinton, [03:22].
• Republican Congresswoman Lauren Boebert violated House rules by leaking a photo from inside the deposition, which prompted Clinton to demand the hearing be opened to the press. Chairman Comer refused, despite Republican rhetoric about "transparency."
  • Notable quote from Chairman Comer prior to the deposition: “I've always believed that sunshine is the best disinfectant...We are committed to accountability, transparency and justice for the American people and for the survivors.” — Chairman James Comer, [01:29].

[03:22–04:42] Hillary Clinton Responds

• Clinton describes the experience as “repetitive,” stating, “I don't know how many times I had to say I did not know Jeffrey Epstein. I never went to his island. I never went to his homes. I never went to his offices. It then got, at the end quite unusual because I started being asked about UFOs and a series of questions about Pizzagate, one of the most vile bogus conspiracy theories...” — Hillary Clinton, [03:22].
• Clinton reiterates her lack of connection to Epstein or any relevant knowledge about his finances.

[06:24] Democratic Members’ Reaction

• Congresswoman Ansari: “It was a clown show. We did not learn anything new...We have always been supportive of bringing anyone forward who may have information, but it was clear today that the Secretary did not have information to provide.”
• Congressman Walkinshaw notes the partisan and performative nature of the Republican attendance: “They look like an overdressed group headed to Disney World...Their opportunity to fulfill their long fever dream of locking up Hillary Clinton. And they got absolutely nothing. Because the truth is, she never met Jeffrey Epstein...”

2. Investigation Obstruction & Allegations of Cover-Up

[08:27–10:30] Pressures and Political Selectiveness

• Discussion of public and political pressure regarding the handling and release of Epstein files, particularly new reports of DOJ withholding sex abuse allegations against Trump:
  • Ansari: “The reporting that came out this week...demonstrated very clearly that the DOJ literally withheld...materials from the FBI as it pertains to allegations against the president from a minor...I think that as more and more information continues to come out, it's going to become impossible for Republicans to ignore this.” — [08:27].
• Walkinshaw highlights bipartisan public concern and the disconnect between Congressional Republicans and their own base: “[This is] something I hear about from Democrats, Independents and a lot of Republicans. So Congressional Republicans are out of step with their own base. Donald Trump is out of step with his own base...” — [09:50].

[10:40–11:57] Withholding Evidence

• Only half the files have been released, and even within those, critical information appears missing or redacted.
• Ansari: “...the COVID up that is underway...every day there's more information...this is so damning...that's why I've been calling for Pam Bondi's impeachment.”

[11:57–12:43] Known Unknowns in Withheld Testimony

• Walkinshaw recalls Rumsfeld's “known unknowns and unknown unknowns,” referencing missing victim statements that have not been turned over, as well as recent revelations regarding Trump.

3. The Real Work of the Investigation: Priorities & Hypocrisy

[13:34–14:49] Victims and Political Theater

• Ansari: “They have been deeply, deeply disrespectful...the victims...have worked really hard to make this bipartisan...Republicans will...feign empathy and...say there's nothing more they can do. And it is such a slap in the face...if they've taken the time to come out here, they also kind of need something to show for it...asking the same questions over and over again...just embarrassing.”

[14:49–15:15] Les Wexner's Deposition

• Walkinshaw states the only productive deposition was that of Les Wexner (Epstein’s main financial backer), where a major revelation was that Wexner was never interviewed by the FBI or DOJ — “an astounding revelation.”

[15:15–17:45] Selective Subpoenas and Trump Protection

• The committee has dragged its feet on subpoenas for Trump affiliates like Howard Lutnick, whose relationship with Epstein has been downplayed or denied.
• Walkinshaw: “Trump can’t throw Lutnick overboard because Lutnick has done precisely what Trump did...So he has to continue to protect him. I don’t think Chairman Comer will have the courage to overcome that.”

4. Interview with Congressman Jamie Raskin: The Cover-Up & Trump’s Legal Risks

[19:36–20:45] Clinton Calls Out the Hearing

• Clinton addresses the value of public transparency and calls out the hearing’s wasted hours:
  “I thought it was very repetitive. I thought that they asked literally the same questions over and over again. If they are going to fulfill their responsibilities...they could have spent the day more productively.” — Hillary Clinton, [20:14].

[21:57–24:48] DOJ Cover-Up & Political Fallout

• Raskin asserts outright that DOJ, under Trump, is engaged in “a full blown cover up” for Epstein’s co-conspirators and for Trump:
  “Remember, they got into office in January, and the very first thing that Attorney General Bondi did was to fire the lead prosecutor in the Epstein case, Maureen Comey...take the entire file and declare the investigation over...They have been doing everything in their power to sweep this under the rug since they got in.” — Jamie Raskin, [21:57].
• “You are not gonna tell me that you're running a global child sex trafficking ring...and there are only two people who committed crimes, Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. I mean, that's just farcical. That's absurd.” — Jamie Raskin, [24:30].

[24:48–25:29] Political Stakes and Party Contrasts

• Raskin: “We’ve got one party ...stand[ing] up for truth and justice...Another party which says that the government is an instrument for...the protection of the crimes of the most powerful people in the country...That is a pretty dramatic contrast.”

5. Trump’s Anti-Democratic Moves & Election Interference

[28:45–33:08] Attempted Executive Orders to Alter Elections

• New reports: Trump is exploring executive actions to require citizenship proof and voter ID nationwide; parallel draft orders allege Chinese interference as grounds for a national emergency to halt mail ballots — all deeply questionable under law.
• Raskin: “You can't completely count on the Roberts courts...everything we're hearing about today is an echo of what took place in 2020...They're just going to try to shrink and reduce the electorate and somehow rig the electoral result.” — Jamie Raskin, [31:09].
• The courts have blocked similar efforts before; public and legal institutions must remain vigilant.

[33:08–35:25] Constitutional Limits

• Raskin notes that the president has "no role at all in administering midterm elections...he's stuffed his administration with complete cronies...so this is why we do need the Supreme Court to stand up...”

6. Antitrust and Corporate Consolidation

[35:25–36:52] Media Mergers and Trump-Era Corruption

• Raskin discusses the pending Paramount/Skydance/Warner Brothers merger and how it exemplifies the “pay to play” corruption that defines much of the current administration’s antitrust policy: “We've got to get back to the rule of law...meaningful antitrust law enforcement for the sake of consumers, for the sake of democracy.”

7. Kushner, Iran, and a Whistleblower Complaint

[36:52–44:42] Executive Privilege & Intelligence Oversight

• Jen Psaki recaps reporting that Jared Kushner, acting as a Trump administration envoy, is embroiled in whistleblower scandal over an intelligence intercept involving Iran. Trump’s DNI (Tulsi Gabbard) is accused of blocking Congress from seeing this information, invoking executive privilege.
• Andrew Bakaj (Whistleblower Aid): “Our client has a right to go to Congress by law...what’s really problematic here...is that Tulsi Gabbard is the subject of this complaint...and she is the one who’s blocking its transmittal to Congress in its totality.” [40:26–41:44]
• Bakaj emphasizes the chilling effect this has on future whistleblowers and reiterates the need for persistent Congressional oversight.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Hillary Clinton, expressing frustration:
  “I don't know how many times I had to say I did not know Jeffrey Epstein. I never went to his island. I never went to his homes. I never went to his offices...I started being asked about UFOs and a series of questions about Pizzagate, one of the most vile bogus conspiracy theories that was propagated on the Internet.” [03:22]
• Congresswoman Ansari, dismissing the proceedings:
  “It was a clown show. We did not learn anything new. The Secretary repeated...she didn't know Jeffrey Epstein.” [06:24]
• Congressman Walkinshaw, on GOP motivations:
  “They were so happy about this hearing because it was their opportunity to fulfill their long fever dream of locking up Hillary Clinton. And they got absolutely nothing.” [07:14]
• Jamie Raskin, on the cover-up:
  “We've known for weeks, if not months, that they are engaged in a full blown cover up.” [21:57]
• Raskin, on Republican hypocrisy:
  “You are not gonna tell me that you're running a global child sex trafficking ring...and there are only two people who committed crimes, Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. I mean, that's just farcical. That's absurd.” [24:30]
• Andrew Bakaj, on whistleblower rights:
  “Our client has a right to go to Congress by law...it makes absolutely no sense to me...” [40:26, 42:03]

Important Segment Timestamps

• [00:50] — Episode begins, context of Clinton deposition and rules violation.
• [03:22] — Hillary Clinton’s statement to the press post-deposition.
• [06:24] — Congresswoman Ansari and Congressman Walkinshaw react to “clown show” hearing.
• [08:27] — Ansari on public pressure, DOJ Trump cover-up, and bipartisan outrage.
• [10:40] — Ongoing concealment of Epstein files and calls for DOJ accountability.
• [14:49] — Importance of Les Wexner’s testimony vs. focus on Clinton.
• [15:15] — Discussion on subpoenaing Trump insiders like Howard Lutnick.
• [20:14] — Clinton: “Not going to do it again...could have spent the day more productively.”
• [21:57] — Jamie Raskin details the DOJ cover-up under Trump.
• [24:48] — Raskin on the political battle over victim justice and transparency.
• [28:45] — Coverage of Trump’s new anti-voting executive order plans.
• [31:09] — Raskin analyzes legal backstops against Trump’s maneuvers.
• [33:08] — Constitutional explanation of president’s lack of role in election administration.
• [35:25] — Raskin critiques current state of antitrust and corporate influence.
• [39:24] — Whistleblower counsel Andrew Bakaj discusses efforts to get intelligence to Congress.

Episode Tone and Language

• Blunt, acerbic, and often incredulous about congressional process and Republican behavior.
• Speakers use sarcasm (“overdressed group headed to Disney World”) and direct critiques (“It was a clown show”; “I don’t think Chairman Comer is very smart”).
• Consistent defense of victim rights, due process, and transparency, coupled with sharp criticism of efforts to use investigations for political theater.

Takeaway

This episode exposes the partisan theater behind the Clinton deposition, while highlighting ongoing battles over transparency, accountability, and the rule of law in the wake of the Epstein, Trump, and broader political scandals. The core message: Investigations must be genuine, bipartisan, and survivor-centered—not weaponized for political gain. And, as new scandals erupt (cover-ups, election-rigging, whistleblower suppression), institutional integrity, vigilance, and robust oversight are more urgent than ever.