What A Day – Episode Summary

Episode Title: Hillary Clinton Called Her Epstein Hearing Political Theater
Date: February 27, 2026
Host: Jane Coaston
Guest: Bart Janssen (White House Correspondent, USA Today)

Episode Overview

This episode focuses on the latest developments surrounding the fallout from the Epstein investigations, particularly the political drama unfolding in the U.S. Congress. The highlight is former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s closed-door deposition before the House Oversight Committee, which she described as “partisan political theater.” The episode also reviews ongoing repercussions for prominent figures connected to Epstein, examines alleged attempts to shield certain parties, and explores possible future political implications.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The State of the Epstein Files Investigation

• In January, the Department of Justice released more than 3 million pages of documents related to the Epstein case.
• Despite global impact and professional repercussions for figures like Prince Andrew and the World Economic Forum chief, U.S. fallout has been less dramatic.
• Many Epstein files remain unreleased, reportedly including documents related to Donald Trump. The DOJ described certain allegations as “untrue and sensationalist.”
  “Sure, there's been lots of sound and fury, but not much else, especially since we haven’t even gotten all of the files yet from the DOJ…” (Jane Coaston, 01:17)

2. The Clinton Deposition: Political Theater

• House Republicans questioned Hillary Clinton in a closed-door deposition, which she denounced as political theater.
• During the session, committee rules were violated when Rep. Lauren Boebert leaked photos of Clinton to a right-wing influencer.
• Clinton was reportedly asked about conspiracy theories and UFOs, illustrating the partisan nature of the proceedings.
  • “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 that was propagated on the Internet.” (Hillary Clinton, paraphrased by Jane Coaston, 02:28)
• Democrats on the committee called the session a “clown show” and insisted no new information emerged.
  • “They said no new information was provided. They called it a clown show, political theater…” (Bart Janssen, 05:07)

3. Why Clinton Was Summoned

• Republicans argue that Clinton and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, intersected with Epstein’s powerful network, citing events like fundraising and Ghislaine Maxwell attending Chelsea Clinton’s wedding.
• Bart Janssen notes Clinton claims she never met Epstein or flew on his plane.
  • “She just thinks Trump appears thousands of times in the files and that there's much more to question about him than her, for example, who claims to have never even met the guy, never ridden on his plane.” (Bart Janssen, 03:38)

4. Democrats Push for Trump-Related Documents

• Democrats have called for unreleased DOJ documents, specifically missing interview notes involving allegations against Donald Trump.
  • “They demanded that Attorney General Pam Bondi and Trump release 50 or so missing pages of interview notes with a woman who accused Trump of abuse while she was a minor.” (Bart Janssen, 05:27)
• There is anticipation about whether the precedent of summoning the Clintons could apply to Trump if the House flips.
  • “Democrats are licking their chops over this. And so they say if they regain control of the House…they intend to subpoena President Trump…” (Bart Janssen, 08:34)

5. Focus on Bill Clinton’s Relationship with Epstein

• The committee is expected to probe Clinton’s interactions, including Epstein’s 16 visits to the White House and more than two dozen flights with Clinton after his presidency.
  • “Comer said that Clinton had Epstein at the White House 16 times while he was president, and then after leaving office, that he flew on the plane more than two dozen times.” (Bart Janssen, 06:33)

6. Political and Social Fallout—Who Faces Accountability?

• Major fallout for private-sector figures with Epstein ties: Bill Gates publicly admitted regret, revealed to have tried to treat STDs possibly connected to Epstein.
  • “He said that it was a mistake to hang around with Epstein, that he regrets it.” (Bart Janssen, 10:21)
• Larry Summers resigns from Harvard, following similar steps taken by others like the head of the World Economic Forum and a Columbia Nobel laureate.
• Despite resignations, most have not been accused of sexual wrongdoing, but Democrats and victims continue to seek full release of all Epstein records.
  • “The ripple effects from the release of these documents seems to be growing.” (Bart Janssen, 11:29)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jane Coaston on the scope of the investigation:
  “It does feel like we're in unprecedented territory, though. It's interesting to me that the Clintons testified at all.” (07:06)
• Bart Janssen on precedent and future investigations:
  “This will be the first time that a former president has been compelled to testify before Congress…Presidents have occasionally testified in the past… but it was always voluntarily.” (07:33)
• Bart Janssen on the release of Epstein documents and resignations:
  “The ripple effects from the release of these documents seems to be growing. And none of those people has yet been accused of sexual wrongdoing...” (11:29)
• On missing Trump documents:
  “They demanded other information…details about how the records are numbered revealed that three other summaries of interviews have not yet been released.” (Bart Janssen, 05:27)
• On political motivations:
  “This institutional failure is designed to protect one political party and one public official, meaning the GOP and Donald Trump.” (Hillary Clinton, as quoted by Jane Coaston, 03:11)

Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:00 – 02:28: Setting the stage—Epstein fallout and Clinton’s “political theater” testimony
• 03:11 – 09:56: Interview with Bart Janssen—Epstein files, Clinton/Trump focus, congressional response
• 10:21 – 12:38: Broader impacts—Bill Gates, Larry Summers, the private sector, and the ripple effect
• 15:57 – 17:37: Headlines: US-Iran talks, IRS data breach, Cuba attack, Kansas transgender law

Episode Takeaways

• The congressional investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's network is marked by partisan showmanship, with Democrats and Republicans pointing fingers over whose ties to Epstein deserve scrutiny.
• The Clinton deposition signifies a broader willingness (or necessity) for high-profile politicians to step into the spotlight, potentially setting new precedents.
• Far from just Washington, the consequences of the Epstein revelations continue to reshape careers and reputations globally, while calls for transparency—and the ultimate release of all Epstein files—remain a point of contention.