Hillary Clinton’s testimony in the investigation surrounding the late financier Jeffrey Epstein and his convicted co-conspirator, Ghislaine Maxwell, took place on February 26, 2026, in Chappaqua, New York, where she and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, have lived for over 26 years.
Chappaqua: A Setting for Clinton’s Life After the White House
The Clintons’ home in Chappaqua, a quiet, wooded hamlet located about 35 miles north of Manhattan, has been central to their post-presidency life.
Over the years, it has been the backdrop for Hillary Clinton’s political journey, including her successful run for U.S. Senate, her role as Secretary of State, and her two presidential campaigns.
Hillary Clinton’s historic 2016 Democratic National Convention nomination acceptance speech was delivered via satellite from Chappaqua’s Crabtree’s Kittle House. Two days after her 2016 defeat by Donald Trump, a viral photo of the Clintons in the “Chappaqua woods” symbolized their resilience.
Testimony Regarding Epstein and Maxwell
On February 26, 2026, Hillary Clinton testified behind closed doors at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center, less than a mile from the Clintons’ home, in response to a subpoena. Lawmakers are investigating the Clintons’ ties to Epstein and Maxwell, specifically Epstein’s involvement with the Clinton Foundation and his attendance at the Clintons’ daughter’s wedding.
During the testimony, Clinton called the inquiry a “fishing expedition,” criticizing lawmakers for not addressing failures within the Justice Department regarding Epstein’s case. The testimony follows months of investigation into Epstein’s network, which included his high-profile connections.
Local Reactions to Clinton’s Testimony
In the peaceful hamlet of Chappaqua, where Hillary and Bill Clinton are regularly seen walking their dogs and shopping at local stores, reactions to Clinton’s testimony varied. New Castle Town Councilwoman Jennifer Naparstek Klein, a staunch supporter of Clinton, expressed frustration with how Congress was handling the investigation. She criticized the focus on Hillary Clinton instead of addressing other political figures, including former President Donald Trump.
“I am frustrated by how Congress behaves in this deliberately dissembling way,” Klein said, referring to the continued focus on Clinton while Trump faced no legal consequences.
Public Opinion on Epstein and Accountability
Public opinion on the matter is divided. Some, like Steven Sabbagh, a local resident, voiced support for Clinton’s testimony, stating that he believed the truth must come out for the victims of Epstein’s crimes. “I think you want every bit of truth to come out. I feel so sorry for the victims,” Sabbagh said.
Others, like Heather Smith, a recent Cornell University graduate and sexual assault survivor, emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability for everyone involved, whether it be Clinton, Trump, or any others named in Epstein’s investigation.
Bill Clinton to Testify Next
The inquiry is set to continue, with Bill Clinton scheduled to testify on February 27, 2026. Tim Gomes, a Mount Kisco resident, said he would be paying close attention to Bill Clinton’s testimony. “I think we’ve got to get to the bottom of it. Everyone should be held accountable,” Gomes stated.
Clinton Supporters Defend Her
Betty Cotton, a long-time friend of Hillary Clinton, defended the former Secretary of State’s cooperation with the investigation. Cotton described Clinton as a “trooper” for agreeing to testify, while questioning whether Trump would be similarly cooperative.
