Hillary Clinton Accuses Trump of Epstein 'Cover-Up' and Demands Public Testimony
Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has launched a scathing accusation against President Donald Trump, alleging he is orchestrating a deliberate "cover-up" regarding files linked to the notorious sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In a revealing interview with the BBC published on Monday, Clinton called for full transparency and public testimony before a Congressional committee.
Clinton's Call for Transparency
"Get the files out. They are slow-walking it," Clinton asserted during her interview in Berlin, referencing the delayed release of documents. She emphasised that she and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, have repeatedly advocated for the complete disclosure of all Epstein-related materials. "We have nothing to hide. We have called for the full release of these files repeatedly," she stated, underscoring their commitment to openness.
The Justice Department recently released a substantial cache of over 3 million documents, photos, and videos as part of its investigation into Epstein, who died in custody in 2019 from what was ruled a suicide. While Bill Clinton appears frequently in these files, no evidence has emerged implicating either Clinton in criminal activities, according to AFP reports.
Congressional Investigation and Testimony
Both Clintons have been ordered to provide closed-door depositions to the House Oversight Committee, which is probing Epstein's connections to influential figures and the handling of information about his crimes. However, Hillary Clinton has pushed for these sessions to be conducted publicly. "We will show up but we think it would be better to have it in public," she told the BBC. "I just want it to be fair. I want everybody treated the same way."
This demand for public scrutiny highlights the high-stakes nature of the investigation, which has drawn intense media and political attention due to Epstein's links to powerful individuals across various sectors.
Broader Political Context and Other Developments
Amid this controversy, other political developments have emerged involving Donald Trump:
- Ukraine-Russia Conflict: Trump has pressured Ukraine to swiftly reach a deal with Russia ahead of US-brokered talks in Geneva, stating, "Ukraine better come to the table, fast." This push comes after two previous rounds of US-mediated negotiations in Abu Dhabi failed to yield breakthroughs in the conflict that began with Russia's invasion in February 2022.
- Criticism of Green Energy Deal: Trump expressed fury over a green energy agreement between the British government and California Governor Gavin Newsom, a potential Democratic presidential candidate. Using a derogatory nickname, he told Politico, "The UK's got enough trouble without getting involved with Gavin Newscum. Gavin is a loser. Everything he's touched turns to garbage."
- International Criticism: At the Munich Security Conference, Trump faced criticism not only from Europeans but also from Americans, including some Republicans who challenged his policies on tariffs and unpredictability away from the influence of Fox News.
- Support for Viktor Orbán: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed Trump's commitment to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's success, stating, "President Trump is deeply committed to your success, because your success is our success," during a joint press conference in Budapest.
- Manufacturing Relocation Controversy: Hedge fund billionaire John Paulson, an early Wall Street backer of Trump, plans to move an Ohio manufacturing plant to China despite employee opposition. Workers have labelled the relocation "a slap in our face," given Paulson's previous vocal support for domestic manufacturing.
These events collectively paint a picture of a politically charged environment, with Clinton's allegations adding fuel to ongoing debates over transparency, accountability, and international relations.
