In a renewed and highly public exchange, Hillary Clinton sharply criticized Donald Trump, accusing his administration of deliberately delaying the release of key documents connected to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Speaking to the BBC in Berlin while attending the World Forum, Clinton framed the issue as one of transparency, accountability, and fairness. Her remarks came amid heightened scrutiny surrounding newly released materials tied to Epstein’s estate and longstanding questions about the scope of his associations with prominent figures.
“Get the Files Out”
During her interview, Clinton accused the Trump administration of “slow-walking” the disclosure of relevant records. She said plainly, “Get the files out. They are slow-walking it.” Clinton suggested political motivations may be influencing how information is being handled and released. Referring to renewed public attention involving her and her husband, Bill Clinton, she described what she characterized as a distraction strategy. She emphasized that she never met Epstein and stated, “We have nothing to hide… We think sunlight is the best disinfectant.”
She also stressed that neither she nor her husband had been accused of wrongdoing by survivors connected to Epstein’s crimes, reiterating their position that transparency is essential to restoring public trust.
The Release of Epstein Documents
The U.S. Department of Justice has released millions of pages of materials connected to Epstein’s estate and investigations. These documents include flight logs, contact books, deposition transcripts, and other records detailing Epstein’s extensive network of acquaintances. Authorities emphasized that being named in such documents does not indicate wrongdoing, as Epstein associated with many politicians, business leaders, and celebrities.
Both Bill Clinton and Donald Trump have been mentioned in publicly available records due to past social interactions with Epstein. However, legal experts have repeatedly noted that association alone does not establish criminal involvement.
Bill Clinton’s Past Connections
Bill Clinton’s association with Epstein dates back to the early 1990s and continued into the early 2000s. During Clinton’s presidency, Epstein visited the White House multiple times. After leaving office, Clinton flew on Epstein’s private jet for charitable and foundation-related trips. Clinton has said he was unaware of Epstein’s criminal activities and cut ties with him before Epstein’s later legal troubles.
Hillary Clinton reiterated that neither she nor her husband had knowledge of Epstein’s crimes during their interactions and that survivors have not accused them of wrongdoing.
Hillary Clinton and Ghislaine Maxwell
Clinton acknowledged that she encountered Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s associate who was later convicted of federal sex trafficking charges, a few times. However, she described those interactions as limited and social, not indicative of a close relationship. These clarifications were part of her effort to separate herself and her family from Epstein’s criminal activities.
Congressional Testimony
As part of congressional oversight efforts, the Clintons agreed to testify before a House committee examining aspects of the Epstein case. Hillary Clinton is scheduled to testify first, followed by Bill Clinton. She expressed willingness to testify publicly, stating, “We will show up… but we think it would be better to have it in public.” She also emphasized that everyone asked to testify should cooperate.
Trump’s Response
Donald Trump responded strongly to Clinton’s accusations, stating, “I have nothing to hide. I’ve been exonerated. I have nothing to do with Jeffrey Epstein.” Trump acknowledged knowing Epstein socially in the past but said they later had a falling out. There is no evidence that Trump has been charged or convicted of wrongdoing related to Epstein.
The White House defended its actions, stating that thousands of pages of documents had been released and that authorities were cooperating with oversight investigations.
Political Tensions and Public Debate
The Epstein case continues to influence American politics years after his death in federal custody in 2019. His connections with prominent individuals from both political parties have fueled ongoing debate and speculation. Experts emphasize that appearing in documents does not imply criminal activity, but public demand for transparency remains strong.
Clinton framed the issue as one of institutional fairness and accountability, saying she wants “everybody treated the same way.” Her comments reflect broader public concerns about whether powerful individuals receive equal scrutiny under the law.
Conclusion
As congressional hearings approach and additional records continue to emerge, the Epstein case remains a major political and legal issue. Clinton argues that full disclosure is necessary to restore public trust, while Trump maintains that his administration has acted appropriately. The dispute highlights ongoing political tensions and the public’s demand for transparency, accountability, and clarity.
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