A closed-door congressional deposition involving former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was briefly interrupted Thursday after Rep. Lauren Boebert sent a photograph from inside the hearing room to a conservative podcaster, triggering procedural objections and a temporary halt.
The deposition, conducted by the House Oversight Committee, centered on questions related to Jeffrey Epstein and previously released Justice Department files. Proceedings were paused after podcaster Benny Johnson posted a photo on X showing Clinton testifying, crediting Boebert as the source.
NEW: An advisor to the Clinton’s just came to the press cams and said today’s deposition has been paused after Rep. Lauren Boebert sent an unauthorized photo of Secretary Clinton to conservative influencer Benny Johnson.
— Ryan Nobles (@ryanobles) February 26, 2026
Committee rules typically prohibit unauthorized photography during depositions, particularly when sessions are not designated as public. According to reports, members raised concerns about the image being disseminated externally without formal approval, prompting the committee to suspend questioning while the matter was addressed.
Johnson defended the post, stating on X that the photo was “authorized” and asserting that Clinton had sought a public proceeding. “It’s hilarious they’re trying to use this to weasel out of answering questions on Epstein,” he wrote, claiming transparency was consistent with Clinton’s own position.
🚨BREAKING: The first image of Hillary Clinton testifying under oath about Jeffery Epstein to the Republican Oversight Committee.
This is the first time Hillary has had to answer real questions about Epstein. Clinton does not look happy.
Photo provided by Rep. Lauren Boebert. pic.twitter.com/mPtUyA4u5i
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) February 26, 2026
Boebert also addressed the controversy publicly, stating, “Benny did nothing wrong. Proceeding with deposition,” confirming that the hearing resumed after the interruption.
According to congressional correspondent Annie Karni of The New York Times, both Hillary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton had indicated they preferred to testify publicly if they were to participate. Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer reportedly declined that request, opting instead for a closed-door deposition format.
It was authorized.
And it’s hilarious they’re trying to use this to weasel out of answering questions about Epstein.
It was Hillary who demanded this deposition be LIVE for all to see. https://t.co/01YztD8i9l
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) February 26, 2026
The Clintons agreed earlier this month to provide testimony following the release of additional Justice Department documents connected to Epstein. The disclosures were made under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, legislation signed into law by President Donald Trump in November. Among the materials released were references to Bill Clinton and a previously publicized photograph of him seated in a hot tub with Epstein.
