Hillary Clinton says the Trump administration is hiding information tied to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
Speaking to the BBC in Berlin during the annual World Forum, the former secretary of state accused federal officials of delaying full disclosure. “Get the files out. They are slow-walking it,” Clinton said.
The Epstein files cover-up claim has added new fuel to an already heated debate over transparency and accountability.
Justice Department Defends Release
Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Justice released millions of documents related to its investigation into Epstein. The agency said it had complied with requirements under the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
According to the DOJ, roughly three million pages were not released because they contain medical records, graphic depictions of abuse, or information that could jeopardize ongoing investigations. Details on the department’s policies can be found at justice.gov.
The White House rejected Clinton’s accusation. In a statement, officials said the administration has “done more for the victims than Democrats ever have” by releasing thousands of pages and cooperating with congressional requests.
Congressional Testimony Ahead
Both Hillary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton are scheduled to testify before the House Oversight Committee. Bill Clinton is set to appear on February 27, while Hillary Clinton will testify the day before.
The committee, chaired by Republican Representative James Comer, had threatened to hold the Clintons in contempt of Congress before they agreed to appear. Information about congressional oversight authority is available at oversight.house.gov.
Hillary Clinton said she wants the hearing to be public. “We will show up but we think it would be better to have it in public,” she told the BBC.
Names in the Files and Legal Context
Appearing in the Epstein files does not indicate wrongdoing. Lawmakers and legal experts have repeatedly stressed that inclusion in investigative records does not equal criminal conduct.
Prince Andrew, who is referenced in the files, has denied wrongdoing. He reached an out-of-court settlement in 2022 with Virginia Giuffre without admitting liability.
Bill Clinton has acknowledged knowing Epstein but has said he cut off contact more than two decades ago. Neither Clinton has been accused of criminal wrongdoing by Epstein’s victims.
President Trump, whose name also appears in the files, has denied any improper connection. “I’ve been exonerated. I had nothing to do with Jeffrey Epstein,” Trump told the BBC while aboard Air Force One.
A Political Flashpoint
Epstein died in federal custody on August 10, 2019, while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. His death was ruled a suicide by the New York City medical examiner.
The release of investigation materials has sparked bipartisan calls for transparency. Kentucky Representative Thomas Massie has urged the DOJ to release internal memos explaining charging decisions.
As the oversight hearings approach, the dispute over the Epstein files continues to deepen political divisions. For now, both sides insist they have nothing to hide. The next chapter will likely unfold under oath in a congressional hearing room.