Hillary Clinton Criticizes Pace of Epstein File Releases as Political Tensions Intensify

Speaking from Berlin, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton raised concerns about how documents connected to Jeffrey Epstein are being released under the Trump administration.

She questioned whether the disclosure process is being handled with full transparency and suggested that delays appear intentional rather than procedural.

Clinton described the current rollout of documents as politically selective and said the public deserves full access without unnecessary obstruction.

Calls to “Get the Files Out”

During a BBC interview, Clinton used the phrase “slow walking” to characterize what she sees as a deliberate delay in releasing information.

“Get the files out,” she said. “They are slow-walking it.”

She argued that the volume of redactions and the gradual pace of disclosure create the impression that information is being withheld to protect certain individuals.

According to Clinton, millions of pages remain in backlog while only selected portions have been made public.

She framed the issue as one of institutional integrity rather than partisan conflict.

Addressing Investigations Into Her Past

Clinton also addressed renewed scrutiny of her past connections to individuals linked to Epstein.

She described the focus on her as a distraction tactic designed to shift attention away from broader transparency concerns.

“Look at this shiny object,” she said. “We’re going to have the Clintons, even Hillary Clinton, who never met the guy.”

She reiterated that she has never met Jeffrey Epstein.

Clinton emphasized that neither she nor former President Bill Clinton has been accused of wrongdoing by victims or charged by authorities.

“We have nothing to hide,” Clinton said. “We have called for the full release of these files repeatedly, we think sunlight is the best disinfectant.”

Upcoming Congressional Testimony

Hillary Clinton is scheduled to testify before the House Oversight Committee on February 26 as part of its ongoing investigation into Epstein.

Bill Clinton is expected to provide his deposition the following day.

Neither of them has been accused of criminal misconduct.

Their appearances will initially take place behind closed doors following a month-long legal dispute with the committee.

The disagreement nearly led to a recommendation that the couple be held in criminal contempt of Congress for failing to comply with subpoenas.

The full House was reportedly preparing to vote on the resolution before the Clintons agreed to comply.

Throughout the process, they have stated a preference for public testimony rather than private sessions.

The Chairman of the House Oversight Committee, Kentucky Republican James Comer, has indicated that a public hearing remains a possibility after private testimony concludes.

Trump Responds to Criticism

Responding to Clinton’s remarks, former President Donald Trump rejected any implication of wrongdoing.

“I have nothing to hide, I’ve been exonerated, I have nothing to do with Jeffrey Epstein.

“They’re getting pulled in, and that’s their problem, we’ll have to see what happens.”

He added: “She seriously has Trump derangement syndrome.”

Trump has acknowledged past social contact with Epstein but has consistently denied knowledge of any criminal conduct.

Scope of the Document Releases

The U.S. Department of Justice has released more than three million pages of documents connected to Epstein’s estate and investigations.

The materials include flight logs, legal deposition transcripts, photographs, and government communications.

Officials have repeatedly stated that the appearance of a person’s name in the files does not automatically indicate wrongdoing.

Epstein cultivated relationships with numerous public figures, many of whom have said they were unaware of his criminal behavior at the time of their association.

Among the most prominent political names mentioned in the files are Donald Trump and Bill Clinton.

Both have acknowledged social interactions with Epstein in the past while denying knowledge of his actions.

Bill Clinton’s Associations

Bill Clinton’s association with Epstein dates back to the early 1990s and extended into the early 2000s.

During Clinton’s presidency, Epstein visited the White House on multiple occasions.

After Clinton left office in 2001, Epstein provided access to his private jet for overseas trips connected to Clinton Foundation initiatives.

Public flight records confirm that Clinton traveled on Epstein’s aircraft more than once.

Clinton has stated that he was unaware of Epstein’s criminal activities and that he ended contact well before Epstein’s later arrest and conviction.

No evidence has been presented linking Clinton’s travel to Epstein’s crimes.

Hillary Clinton and Ghislaine Maxwell

Hillary Clinton has said she never met Jeffrey Epstein but did encounter his associate Ghislaine Maxwell on a few occasions.

Maxwell was convicted in federal court and sentenced in 2022 for recruiting and grooming young girls for Epstein.

Clinton described her meetings with Maxwell as brief and unrelated to criminal activity.

The Administration’s Position

The White House has defended its approach to document releases.

A spokesperson stated that the administration has complied with legal obligations and released thousands of pages of material.

The administration has also pointed to cooperation with congressional subpoenas and additional investigative efforts.

Attorney General Pam Bondi and Justice Department officials have rejected claims of improper withholding, citing privacy protections, legal privilege, and ongoing review processes.

Concerns About Redactions and Context

Despite official assurances, criticism has emerged from lawmakers in both parties.

Some members of Congress argue that redactions exceed what is permitted under the bipartisan Epstein Files Transparency Act passed last year.

Others have expressed concern that only a fraction of the total documents have been released.

There are also worries that listing prominent names without explanation may create confusion or misinterpretation.

Rep. Ro Khanna highlighted the issue by noting that names with vastly different contexts appear side by side in public disclosures without clarification.

He argued that such presentations risk misleading the public about the nature of the references.

A Debate Over Transparency and Accountability

The renewed controversy has reignited broader debates about power, accountability, and public trust.

Epstein’s long-standing relationships with influential figures have fueled questions about institutional oversight.

Experts continue to emphasize that association alone does not establish criminal liability.

However, the reputational impact of being named in the files remains significant.

Clinton framed her criticism as a call for complete transparency rather than a partisan attack.

“It is something that needs to be totally transparent,” she said during a panel at the Munich Security Conference on 14 February 2026. “I’ve called for many, many years for everything to be put out there so people can not only see what’s in them but also, if appropriate, hold people accountable.”

An Ongoing Political Flashpoint

Years after Epstein’s death in federal custody in 2019, the case remains a highly charged political issue.

Survivors continue to seek justice, while lawmakers and advocacy groups demand greater clarity about how Epstein operated for so long.

With upcoming testimony and additional document releases expected, tensions between political figures are likely to continue.

Both sides claim to support transparency while accusing the other of concealment.

Whether forthcoming disclosures will provide clarity or deepen political divisions remains uncertain.

For now, the Epstein case stands as a test of institutional trust, legal accountability, and the public’s demand for full disclosure.