USA Trump on Epstein case: doesn't like Clinton photos
Three days after the publication of thousands of investigation files on the case of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, US President Donald Trump has for the first time made a longer statement on the matter and once again reproached Democrats.
23.12.2025, 03:37
SDA
It was noticeable that Trump did not continue his earlier fierce attacks against former US President Bill Clinton. Asked by a journalist whether he was surprised by the numerous photos in the investigation files showing the Democrat Clinton, Trump said: "I don't like the pictures of Bill Clinton that are shown. I don't like the pictures of other people that are being shown. I think it's a terrible thing."
Late on Friday afternoon, the US Department of Justice uploaded thousands of files to its website following massive pressure from the public and the US parliament, with more to follow. The release took place on the last day of a deadline imposed on the department. Clinton could be seen in many of the released photos.
But he thinks Clinton can handle it, Trump said. He had always got on well with him. The US President also said that he hated to see photos of Clinton now, but that was exactly what the Democrats and a few "bad" Republicans were demanding.
Trump went on to say that many people were upset. Photos of people who had nothing to do with Epstein were shown in photos because he had been at the same party, for example. That's how you destroy people's reputations.
Why the Epstein files are so controversial
For years, the multimillionaire Epstein from New York ran an abuse ring that victimized dozens of young women and minors. The case dates back decades. Over several years, he is also alleged to have abused minors himself in New York and Florida. In 2019, Epstein died in prison at the age of 66 before a possible further conviction could have taken place.
The financier had excellent contacts in high society, which led to numerous speculations about the extent of the scandal. Time and again, the question arose as to which prominent personalities might have been involved in Epstein's machinations. A month ago, a law was finally passed ordering the publication of the files, which Trump had long resisted.
Clinton can often be found in the files
A number of celebrities appear in the photos that have now been published. Alongside rock star Mick Jagger, pop king Michael Jackson, who died in 2009, and actor Kevin Spacey, former President Clinton is photographed relatively often. He appears again and again in photos - for example, swimming in the pool with Epstein's long-time confidante Ghislaine Maxwell. In other photos, he is seen with no reference to her or Epstein.
Trump has repeatedly tried to draw attention to Clinton in recent weeks. He claimed that he had been on Epstein's private island. However, Trump's Chief of Staff Susie Wiles contradicted this claim: "There is no evidence of this," she told Vanity Fair magazine. It remained unclear why Trump now took a softer tone towards Clinton and did not repeat these accusations.
Clinton spokesman Angel Urena published a statement on Platform X calling on Trump to instruct the Department of Justice to immediately release the remaining material that refers to Clinton, mentions him or contains a photo of him. A refusal to do so would give rise to the suspicion that the Department is not concerned with transparency. Instead, selective publications would be used to suggest misconduct on the part of individuals.
