Hillary Clinton accuses Trump administration of ‘cover-up’ in Epstein file releases
The dispute centers on the release of materials under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which Congress passed earlier this year
Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has accused President Donald Trump's administration of a "cover-up" over the handling of files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, saying the government is "slow-walking" disclosure of the documents. Speaking in a BBC interview, she called on authorities to "get the files out."
The dispute centers on the release of materials under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which Congress passed earlier this year. The US Justice Department released millions of documents following the law's enactment. While the department says it has fulfilled all obligations, some lawmakers have argued the disclosures are incomplete, says the BBC.
Kentucky Representative Thomas Massie has called for the release of internal memos detailing past decisions on whether to charge Epstein and his associates.
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The White House and President Trump have denied suppressing information. Trump said the administration has done "more for the victims than Democrats ever have" and noted that he has been "exonerated" by the findings.
Clintons to testify
Both Hillary and former President Bill Clinton have agreed to testify before the House Oversight Committee. Hillary Clinton is scheduled for 26 Feb, and Bill Clinton will appear on 27 Feb. If held, it would mark the first time a former US president has testified before Congress since 1983.
A planned vote to hold the Clintons in contempt of Congress was averted after they agreed to testify. The couple has requested that hearings be conducted publicly rather than behind closed doors, with Hillary Clinton stating that "sunlight is the best disinfectant."
Connections and denials
Bill Clinton's name appears several times in the files; he has said he was acquainted with Epstein but cut off contact 20 years ago. Hillary Clinton stated she never met Epstein, although she met his associate Ghislaine Maxwell on a few occasions.
Trump is mentioned hundreds of times in the documents. He has maintained that he severed ties with Epstein decades ago and highlighted that the Justice Department previously described certain claims against him as "unfounded and false."
Prince Andrew, the former UK royal, is facing "growing pressure" to testify regarding his links to Epstein. Hillary Clinton commented that "everyone should testify who is asked to testify."
Wider impact
The investigation into Epstein continues to affect figures beyond politics. Thomas Pritzker, chairman of Hyatt Hotels, resigned after acknowledging "terrible judgement" in his association with Epstein. Virginia Giuffre, a prominent accuser who settled with Prince Andrew in 2022, reportedly died by suicide in 2025.
