Politics Weekly America Epstein files: why is Trump defending the Clintons?
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Feb 6, 2026 Ankush Khardori, Politico Magazine writer and former federal prosecutor, breaks down why Republicans subpoenaed the Clintons and the legal-political motives behind it. He discusses partisan theater versus substantive inquiry, the Clintons' decision to testify, and how document dumps compare to a focused commission. He also parses Trump's reactions and the broader precedent being set.
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Investigation Driven By Partisan Theater
- The House Oversight probe into Epstein is driven more by partisan theater than earnest fact-finding.
- Ankush Khardori says Republicans use the inquiry to run interference for the White House, not to investigate meaningfully.
Hillary Clinton's Role Seems Spectacle
- Hillary Clinton appears to lack any documented connection to Epstein compared with Bill Clinton.
- Khardori calls Hillary's summons largely a spectacle aimed at Democrats rather than a probe based on evidence.
Democrats Backed Subpoena To Set Precedent
- Some House Democrats joined the subpoenas hoping to set a precedent to subpoena presidents like Trump.
- Khardori says that strategic rationale may explain bipartisan support on the committee.