Hillary Clinton Says Trump Administration Hid Epstein Files

Hillary Clinton has said the Trump administration is deliberately hiding information about Jeffrey Epstein. She will speak to Congress soon about the files. The files are about Epstein's crimes. Both Clintons deny knowing about his crimes.
By Newsroom | Politics, United States |

Hillary Clinton has publicly accused the Trump administration of deliberately delaying and obscuring the release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Clinton stated that the administration is "slow walking" the process, redacting names of individuals involved, and "stonewalling legitimate requests from members of Congress." These allegations come as both Hillary Clinton and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, are slated to testify before a congressional committee investigating the Epstein case and the handling of related information.

Hillary Clinton accuses Trump administration of Epstein files 'cover-up' in BBC interview - 1

Context of Allegations and Testimonies

The accusations stem from the ongoing release of millions of documents pertaining to Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking and abuse investigation. These files, totaling over three million pages, photos, and videos, are being released following legal actions and congressional inquiry. The US Department of Justice has been responsible for their dissemination, with the latest batch released last month.

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Hillary Clinton accuses Trump administration of Epstein files 'cover-up' in BBC interview - 2

  • Jeffrey Epstein, a financier, died in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking charges.

  • Hillary Clinton is scheduled for a deposition on February 26th, with Bill Clinton following on February 27th.

  • Both Clintons deny any knowledge of Epstein's criminal activities. Bill Clinton has acknowledged flying on Epstein's plane for humanitarian work but denies visiting Epstein's private island.

  • The congressional committee investigating the matter is the House Oversight Committee.

  • Donald Trump's name appears multiple times within the Epstein documents.

Evidence and Statements

Statements from Hillary Clinton and responses from the administration form the core of the current public exchange.

Hillary Clinton accuses Trump administration of Epstein files 'cover-up' in BBC interview - 3

"They are slow walking it, they are redacting the names of men who are in it, they are stonewalling legitimate requests from members of Congress." - Hillary Clinton (via BBC interview)

"The White House rejected Clinton’s allegation, insisting it had already gone further than previous administrations in making information available." - Newsweek

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Hillary Clinton asserts that the current scrutiny of her and her husband is an attempt to deflect attention from Donald Trump, who is also mentioned in the documents. She reiterated her willingness to appear for public hearings, contrasting this with the current approach to the document release. The Justice Department and representatives associated with Trump have consistently denied claims of intentionally withholding or limiting information.

Hillary Clinton accuses Trump administration of Epstein files 'cover-up' in BBC interview - 4

Deep Dive: The "Cover-Up" Allegation

Clinton's use of the term "cover-up" suggests a deliberate, orchestrated effort to conceal information. Her specific claims include:

  • "Slow walking" the release: Implying a deliberate pace designed to delay public access.

  • Redacting names: Specifically mentioning the withholding of names of men involved, suggesting an intent to protect certain individuals.

  • Stonewalling requests: Indicating resistance to official inquiries from legislative bodies.

The White House has countered these assertions by stating their efforts to release information have surpassed those of prior administrations.

Deep Dive: The Clintons' Role and the Documents

While Bill Clinton's name appears frequently in the Epstein files, and photos of him are included, the available information does not implicate either Hillary or Bill Clinton in any criminal activity related to Epstein's offenses. Their scheduled testimonies are part of a congressional committee's broader investigation into how information regarding Epstein's crimes was handled and the connections of powerful figures.

Deep Dive: Political Dimensions

The timing of these accusations, shortly before the Clintons' depositions, raises questions about strategic positioning.

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  • Clinton's perspective: She suggests the focus on her and her husband is a political maneuver to distract from Trump's own mentions in the files.

  • Trump administration's perspective: The administration has stated its commitment to transparency, arguing its actions align with efforts to make information public.

Expert Analysis

  • Sarah Ellison, a political journalist, noted that "accusations of a 'cover-up' during a presidential election year, even if indirect, are potent and can resonate with voters concerned about transparency and accountability."

  • Note: No other expert analysis was found in the provided data.

Conclusion

Hillary Clinton has formally accused the Trump administration of a "continuing cover-up" concerning the release of documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein. She alleges deliberate delays and redactions aimed at obscuring details. The White House denies these claims, asserting their efforts have been more comprehensive than previous administrations. Both Clintons are set to testify before Congress, and while Bill Clinton is mentioned in the files, no evidence has emerged linking either him or Hillary Clinton to criminal wrongdoing. The political context, with Donald Trump also named in the documents, suggests a complex interplay of allegations, defenses, and potential political motivations.

Sources Used:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Hillary Clinton saying about the Epstein files?
She says the Trump administration is hiding information and releasing it very slowly. She also says they are removing names from the documents.
Q: Will Hillary and Bill Clinton testify?
Yes, they are scheduled to speak to a House committee. Bill Clinton will speak on February 27th, and Hillary Clinton will speak on February 26th.
Q: Are the Clintons accused of doing anything wrong with Epstein?
No, they deny knowing about his crimes. Bill Clinton flew on Epstein's plane but says it was for good work. No proof shows they did anything wrong.
Q: What does the Trump administration say?
They say they are releasing the information and have done more than past governments. They deny hiding anything.