Hillary Clinton Accuses Trump Justice Department of Epstein Files 'Cover-Up'
Hillary Clinton has publicly accused the Trump administration of orchestrating a deliberate "cover-up" regarding the release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein's extensive criminal activities. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference in Germany, the former Secretary of State demanded transparency, urging officials to "get the files out" without further delay.
Congressional Testimony Looms for Clintons
Clinton's remarks come as she and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, are scheduled to give sworn depositions before the House Oversight Committee. Hillary Clinton is set to testify on February 26, with Bill Clinton appearing the following day. This marks the first time in over four decades that a former president will testify before a congressional panel.
Despite Congress mandating the release of Epstein-related documents late last year, the Department of Justice continues to withhold approximately 3 million files. Clinton criticized this as "slow walking," suggesting it obstructs justice and public accountability.
Claims of Unfair Treatment and Political Diversion
In an interview with the BBC, Clinton argued that she and her husband are being unfairly singled out compared to other witnesses. She noted that while others provided written statements under oath, the Clintons' offer to do the same was rejected, forcing them to appear in person.
"Why do they want to pull us into this? To divert attention from President Trump," Clinton asserted. "This is not complicated." She emphasized that all witnesses, including Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Prince Andrew, should testify if asked, but treatment must be equitable.
Trump's Response and Clinton's Defense
Donald Trump, mentioned thousands of times in the released Epstein files, responded dismissively to Clinton's accusations. Speaking aboard Air Force One, he claimed, "I've been totally exonerated," and suggested Clinton suffers from "Trump derangement syndrome."
Bill Clinton, also featured in the files, has denied any wrongdoing. He stated he severed ties with Epstein after learning of the financier's sexual crimes against minors. Released photos show the former president in a hot pool with Epstein and an individual described by the Justice Department as a victim.
Background on Subpoenas and Hearings
The Clintons agreed to filmed, behind-closed-door depositions on February 3 after committee members threatened to hold them in contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena issued by Republican Chair James Comer. Comer rejected their initial offer of written testimony under oath.
Hillary Clinton clarified her limited connections to Epstein, stating she never met him but encountered his associate Ghislaine Maxwell "on a few occasions." Maxwell is currently serving a prison sentence for her role in Epstein's sex trafficking crimes.
"We have nothing to hide," Clinton affirmed. "We have called for the full release of these files repeatedly. We think sunlight is the best disinfectant." The Clintons have advocated for public hearings, a proposal Comer has indicated he is open to alongside the private testimony.
