Donald Trump has addressed the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, expressing concern that individuals who “innocently met” the convicted sex offender could face reputational damage.
Trump Comments on Epstein Files Release
The former president made his first public comments since the Justice Department began releasing the materials on Friday, voicing sympathy for prominent Democrats who have come under renewed scrutiny due to their associations with Epstein.
“I like Bill Clinton,” Trump said, adding that he has always had a good relationship with the former president. “I hate to see photos come out of him but this is what the Democrats – mostly Democrats and a couple of bad Republicans – are asking for, so they’re giving their photos of me too.”
Trump, who himself had a long association with Epstein and initially resisted the release of the files, spoke to reporters at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida. He claimed, “Everybody was friendly with this guy,” but added he did not like seeing pictures of Clinton or others being publicized, calling it a “terrible thing.”
Trump stated that many people are upset about the release of photos showing them with Epstein, arguing that these individuals often had no involvement in Epstein’s crimes but are now having their reputations ruined simply for being at the same events.
He specifically cited Larry Summers, a Harvard professor and former Treasury Secretary, who announced in November he would step back from public life following the emergence of email exchanges with Epstein.
Trump also attempted to dismiss the files as a “hoax” and suggested they were a distraction from his party’s accomplishments, pointing to the construction of new Navy warships as an example.
The Epstein Files Transparency Act (EFTA), passed nearly unanimously by Congress and signed into law by Trump, mandated the complete release of the files by last Friday. However, the Justice Department has so far released only one batch of documents, drawing criticism from survivors and members of Congress.
Bill Clinton’s spokesperson, Angel Urena, issued a statement Monday urging the Justice Department to release any remaining materials related to Clinton, including photographs, stating, “Someone or something is being protected.” Urena also expressed suspicion that the department is selectively releasing information to imply wrongdoing by individuals previously cleared by the Justice Department.
Jeffrey Epstein, a wealthy financier, died in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges, his death ruled a suicide.
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