Bill Clinton’s representatives have responded following the release of photos in the Epstein files that include the 42nd US President.
On Friday (December 19), the Department of Justice disclosed approximately 300,000 files connected to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender, in compliance with a federal law requiring their publication.
Although the full set of files was supposed to be released, the Department of Justice (DOJ) admitted only hours before the deadlines that they couldn’t release everything. This decision has sparked criticism, with Oregon Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden calling it ‘an insult to the intelligence of the American people’.
Among the well-known figures featured in the newly released files are Clinton, Michael Jackson, and Mick Jagger.
It’s important to clarify that being named or photographed in the files doesn’t imply any wrongdoing. Many individuals identified in earlier releases have previously denied any involvement in Epstein’s illegal activities.
The photos include images of the former US president, such as one with Epstein’s associate Ghislaine Maxwell in a pool and another of a portrait painting of him in a dress. A third image shows Clinton relaxing in a hot tub with his hands behind his head.
Clinton’s chief of staff has addressed the release of these images.
Angel Ureña stated on X: “The White House hasn’t been hiding these files for months only to dump them late on a Friday to protect Bill Clinton.
“This is about shielding themselves from what comes next, or from what they’ll try and hide forever. So they can release as many grainy, 20-plus-year-old photos as they want, but this isn’t about Bill Clinton. Never has, never will be.”
The spokesperson then referenced White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles’ comments to Vanity Fair, where she said there was ‘no evidence’ that Clinton visited Epstein’s private island, Little St. James.
In that same interview, Wiles countered claims that there was any incriminating evidence against Clinton in the files, opposing statements made by Donald Trump, saying: “The president was wrong about that.”
“There are two types of people here. The first group knew nothing and cut Epstein off before his crimes came to light,” Ureña’s statement continued.
“The second group continued relationships with him after. We’re in the first. No amount of stalling by people in the second group will change that.”
He closed the statement with: “Everyone, especially MAGA, expects answers, not scapegoats.”
Clinton has previously expressed regret over knowing Epstein in his memoir ‘Citizen’, where he wrote: “I wish I had never met him.”
The 42nd President has consistently denied any involvement in or knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities.