Mace questions Hillary Clinton in released Oversight deposition video

The House Oversight Committee released video of Hillary Clinton's closed-door deposition on March 2, 2026. The deposition itself had taken place on February 26 at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center and ran approximately four hours and thirty-five minutes. Bill Clinton was deposed the following day, February 27. Both Clintons had been subpoenaed on August 5, 2025; after initially refusing to comply and being held in bipartisan contempt, they agreed to testify. The committee's Republican members released video of both depositions on March 2.

Heated exchange between Hillary Clinton and Rep. Nancy Mace during the House Oversight Committee Epstein deposition. (YouTube, via committee release.)

The Lutnick / 9-11 Exchange

The flashpoint of the released video was Mace's questioning of Clinton about Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, the former CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, whom Mace alleged had emailed Epstein to invite him to a Clinton fundraising event. Clinton connected Lutnick directly to the September 11 attacks:

"I know Howard Lutnick because when I was senator, on 9/11, the firm he headed, Cantor Fitzgerald, suffered the greatest loss of life, as I recall, something like 650 of his employees were murdered by terrorists that day."

Mace responded: "I know that."

Clinton then slammed the table and continued:

"You asked the question, I'm going to answer your question!"

"I was trying to take care of the people who lost three thousand lives at the World Trade Center!"

When Mace pressed on, Clinton said: "No, I'm going to finish answering the question, which I have a right to do."

At another point in the exchange, Mace said: "I'm a survivor trying to look out for other survivors." Clinton replied: "And I was trying to take care of the people who lost three thousand lives at the World Trade Center!"

Mace acknowledged on the record during the deposition that she did not possess emails showing Clinton had personally solicited Epstein. Clinton had challenged her directly: "If you have an email with me asking Jeffrey Epstein for money…"

Mace's Post-Deposition Characterization

After the deposition, Mace described Clinton's conduct as extreme. Speaking publicly, Mace said:

"She was screaming. Unhinged and combative every time we brought up Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell."

The following day, regarding Bill Clinton's upcoming deposition, Mace said: "I hope that President Clinton is less unhinged today than his wife was yesterday."

Democratic Pushback and the Clinton Spokesman's Response

Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia called Mace's post-deposition description a "mischaracterization" and demanded the release of the unedited video. Clinton spokesman Nick Merrill said Clinton was appalled that Mace "wouldn't let her answer a question about her work as a senator after the murder of 3,000 Americans on 9/11."

How Outlets Framed It

Coverage split along predictable lines. The Daily Beast headlined its coverage "Hillary Clinton Destroys Nancy Mace and Lauren Boebert in Table-Slamming Epstein Appearance," framing Clinton as having gotten the better of the exchange. Newsweek reported the depositions "fall flat for Republicans" and described them as "political theater." The List wrote the clash "Won't Help Mace's Dismal Reputation."

Fox News, by contrast, framed its coverage around Mace's account, reporting that Clinton had "erupted" per Mace's telling. PBS NewsHour noted that Republicans during the session "also asked about UFOs and Pizzagate." CNN published neutral video coverage of the released depositions.

Rep. Lauren Boebert: Pizzagate and the Photo Leak

Also present at the deposition, Rep. Lauren Boebert asked Clinton about the debunked "Pizzagate" conspiracy theory. Clinton responded: "Pizzagate was totally made up… I can't believe you're even referencing it." Separately, Boebert photographed the closed proceeding and shared the image with commentator Benny Johnson, briefly pausing the deposition. Clinton said: "I'm done with this! If you guys are doing that, I am done!" Boebert later posted publicly: "Benny did nothing wrong."

Neutrality note: Neither Hillary Clinton nor Bill Clinton has been accused of wrongdoing in connection with Jeffrey Epstein. Both deny any knowledge of his crimes.

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