Following the release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein's investigation, figures within "Trump world" have intensified their attacks on Bill Clinton, a figure they frequently target. White House Communications Director Steven Cheung and Deputy White House Press Secretary Abigail Jackson both posted messages on X, with Jackson sharing a photo of Clinton in a hot tub next to an individual whose identity was redacted, questioning why only victims and minors' faces were meant to be redacted under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The article notes that the act also permits redaction of material related to active investigations, and the specifics of the photo's origin remain unclear.
The newly released files include various photos of Clinton with Epstein, some showing them in coordinating shirts, interacting with a dancer, and on what appears to be an airplane with a redacted woman on Clinton's lap. Clinton is also seen in a photo at a dinner with Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein, and Mick Jagger. Epstein, who faced charges for the sexual abuse and trafficking of underage girls, pleaded guilty in 2008 and died by suicide in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal charges. His connections to powerful individuals and attempts to conceal information have become a significant part of the political discourse.
Despite these attacks, a spokesperson for Clinton, Angel Ureña, stated that the timing of the document release was strategic to shield individuals from future revelations and that the focus should not solely be on Clinton. Ureña asserted that Clinton belongs to the group of people who distanced themselves from Epstein before his crimes were exposed, unlike those who continued relationships with him afterward. Clinton and Epstein were acquainted since the early 1990s, with Clinton having flown on Epstein's plane for trips related to the Clinton Foundation. Clinton has never been accused of wrongdoing concerning Epstein, and his team maintains he was unaware of Epstein's criminal activities.
While Trump has previously suggested Clinton visited Epstein's private island, White House chief of staff Susie Wiles has stated Trump is mistaken in linking Clinton to Epstein's criminal actions. Trump himself has denied any involvement in Epstein's operations, and no evidence has emerged to suggest his participation in the trafficking scheme, despite their past friendship.