Clinton recounts Trump’s comments on Epstein, denies knowledge of abuse
WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Bill Clinton testified he was told by Donald Trump that the two men had “some great times” together with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, before their relationship soured over a real estate deal. Clinton’s testimony, released Monday as part of a deposition to the House Oversight Committee, offers a new account of the interactions between Trump and Epstein.
Clinton recounted a conversation with Trump at a golf tournament sometime in 2002 or 2003, after Clinton had left office. According to Clinton, Trump initiated the topic, mentioning he knew Clinton had flown on Epstein’s aircraft.
“He said, ‘You know, we had some great times together over the years, but we fell out all because of a real estate deal,’” Clinton told the committee.
Trump has previously stated the relationship with Epstein deteriorated after Epstein hired women who worked at his Mar-a-Lago club.
Both Clinton and Trump have repeatedly maintained they were unaware of Epstein’s alleged sex trafficking activities. Neither has been accused of criminal wrongdoing in connection with Epstein, who entertained a wide circle of business and financial elites at his properties in New York, Florida, and the Caribbean. Epstein died by suicide in a federal prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
Clinton stated the exchange with Trump did not lead him to believe Trump was involved in any improper conduct with Epstein. He also described being introduced to Epstein by former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, who presented Epstein as a potential donor for Clinton’s charitable AIDS foundation. Clinton said he used Epstein’s plane for trips to Asia, Africa, and Europe, but ceased doing so after 2003.
“I thought Mr. Epstein was an interesting man, but I didn’t think he was really interested in what I was doing,” Clinton said.
The former president acknowledged receiving a neck massage from a flight attendant on one of Epstein’s planes, later identified as an Epstein abuse survivor, but said he was unaware of any abuse at the time. He also stated he never visited Epstein’s Caribbean island and was unaware Epstein had visited the White House 17 times during his presidency.
The Justice Department, under Trump, has released millions of pages of documents related to Epstein’s case, including photos of Clinton with redacted faces. Clinton has consistently denied any wrongdoing and expressed regret for his association with Epstein.
The House Oversight Committee also subpoenaed former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who testified last week she did not recall meeting Epstein.
The release of these testimonies comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Epstein’s network and the individuals who associated with him. The case continues to draw public attention due to the severity of the alleged crimes and the high-profile nature of those connected to Epstein.
(France 24 with Reuters)
