New Epstein testimony set to 'backfire on GOP' and 'discomfort Trump's inner circle': CNN

Testimony given by Hillary Clinton, and a further statement to be given by former president Bill Clinton on his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, may worry Donald Trump's close allies.

The 42nd President of the United States is set to testify later today (February 27), and it may give Trump and his team something more to worry over when it comes to the Epstein files. While Trump has tried to defer the Epstein files issue onto the matter of Clinton's mention in documents, it could backfire, according to CNN political analyst Stephen Collinson.

The analyst suggests the gamble made by the president, to hone in on the Clintons and their relationship with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, could backfire.

He wrote, "The battle by Trump’s allies to draw the Clintons into their investigation was always destined to create bitter political theater, given their enormously high profiles and decades-long histories of fierce duels with Republicans.

"But their arrival before the committee also has the potential to backfire on the GOP. First, their involvement is offering new fuel to the Epstein saga, which the White House has been trying unsuccessfully to quell for months.

"And the testimony of the Clintons is raising uncomfortable parallels that will discomfit Trump and his inner orbit. For instance, if the standard for required testimony is being mentioned in the Epstein files, why are prominent Republicans also mentioned in the files not being hauled before the committee?

"Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s descriptions of his past interactions with Epstein were undercut by files released by the DOJ — but he has not so far received a subpoena to match those sent to the Clintons. There is no allegation of criminal wrongdoing against Lutnick."

Collinson went on to observe the clear double standard set by the committee, and says it could pull Trump further into a formal hearing, rather than away.

The analyst added, "Bill Clinton’s past contact with Epstein will surely interest the committee. But isn’t there a double standard if Trump, who was mentioned in the files numerous times, is not also put under oath?

"And former Secretary Clinton’s appearance — although, in her telling, she had no information about Epstein’s conduct — creates a model of a spouse being asked about her husband’s links to the accused sex trafficker.

"Some observers might wonder whether first lady Melania Trump might have similar insight about the times her husband and Epstein moved in similar orbits before and after their marriage in 2005."