Former US President Donald Trump has publicly addressed the controversial release of documents related to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, warning that the reputations of innocent people are being unfairly tarnished.
Trump's Sympathy for 'Innocent' Associates
In his first remarks since the Department of Justice began disclosing materials under the Epstein Files Transparency Act (EFTA), Trump spoke to reporters at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. He expressed concern for high-profile individuals, including political rival Bill Clinton, whose past associations with Epstein have been highlighted in recently released photographs.
"I like Bill Clinton," Trump stated. "I've always gotten along with Bill Clinton... I hate to see photos come out of him." He argued that the release was damaging to "highly respected bankers and lawyers and others" who may have only had incidental contact with Epstein years ago. Trump claimed the situation could "ruin a reputation of somebody" who was merely pictured with Epstein at a social event.
Mounting Pressure for Full Disclosure
The release of these files is far from complete. The EFTA, which passed Congress with near-unanimous support and was signed by Trump himself, mandated the full disclosure of all related documents by last Friday. However, only one batch has been made public so far, leading to frustration from survivors of Epstein's crimes and lawmakers from both parties.
In response, a spokesperson for Bill Clinton, Angel Urena, issued a statement urging the Justice Department to release any and all remaining materials pertaining to the former president. "Someone or something is being protected," Urena said. "We do not know whom, what or why... We need no such protection." The statement further suggested there is "widespread suspicion" the department is using "selective releases to imply wrongdoing."
A Political Distraction or Necessary Transparency?
While voicing sympathy for individuals named, Trump also attempted to frame the ongoing scrutiny as a political manoeuvre. He labelled the Epstein files a "hoax" and suggested the focus on them was "a way of trying to deflect from the tremendous success that the Republican party has."
Jeffrey Epstein died in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges. His death was officially ruled a suicide. The continued release of documents related to his extensive network of powerful associates remains a highly charged issue, balancing demands for public transparency against concerns over privacy and reputation.
