Jimmy Kimmel uses Republicans' Epstein ploy against them in push to get Trump under oath

Jimmy Kimmel has criticized the decision to call Hillary Clinton in to testify on the Jeffrey Epstein files.

The talk show host believes the Democratic Party's 2016 presidential candidate can add little to the context of Epstein's files given she swears the two never met, and that she has never visited either the island or his offices. Kimmel instead suggested the Senators seeking further information look to Donald Trump, rather than the former Secretary of State.

Speaking during the opening monologue of his talk show, Kimmel said, "It's embarrassing. It would be embarrassing if they were capable of feeling shame, but it's embarrassing- why are they questioning Hillary Clinton about Jeffrey Epstein? She's never met him.

"They're not even challenging that; they know she's never met him. There's not a single email or anything in the Trump-Epstein files that says she ever met him. Maybe they should just start subpoenaing random people who never met him.

"Or they could bring in someone who actually knew him, someone who Epstein called his closest friend. Someone who said he's a terrific guy who likes beautiful women on the younger side." A clip of Trump standing with Epstein then plays.

Clinton released her statement on the hearing and her relationship with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell on X. Her statement reads, "I had no idea about their criminal activities.

"I do not recall ever encountering Mr Epstein. I never flew on his plane or visited his island, homes or offices. I have nothing to add to that."

Kimmel continued, "Details of the specific allegations levied against the president have disappeared from the database." Also absent from the database, Kimmel says, is a picture of Commerce Secretary Howard Luntick with Epstein.

There is no suggestion that appearing in the millions of Justice Department documents relating to the late sex offender implies any wrongdoing.

Chairman James Comer was also criticized by Kimmel for not pushing for the president to testify at the hearing. Comer has spoken of why Trump has not been called to speak under oath.

He said, "They've [Hillary and Bill Clinton] never answered questions, unlike President Trump who gets questioned every day by just about every one of you about his knowledge or involvement with Epstein."