SUMMARY
- Clinton said Trump mentioned Epstein during a 2002-2003 golf tournament, noting past social interactions.
- Both Clinton and Trump have denied witnessing any sex trafficking or criminal activity involving Epstein.
- Clinton emphasized he had limited interaction with Epstein, primarily for travel related to a charitable foundation.
WASHINGTON – Former President Bill Clinton testified before the House Oversight Committee that President Donald Trump told him in the early 2000s that they had “some great times” with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, though their relationship later soured over a real estate dispute.
Clinton’s statements were made during a videotaped deposition released Monday, shedding new light on interactions between high profile figures and Epstein prior to his criminal convictions.
Clinton told the committee that Trump was aware he had flown on Epstein’s private jet. “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 said.
He added that the exchange did not suggest to him that Trump was involved in anything improper regarding Epstein. Trump’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Epstein, a financier with extensive social and political connections, pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting prostitution from a minor and was later arrested in 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges before dying in prison.
Both Trump and Clinton have previously said they did not observe illegal activity, and neither has been accused by authorities of criminal conduct in connection to Epstein.
Clinton said he was introduced to Epstein by former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, who described Epstein as a donor supporting international AIDS initiatives.
Laura Murphy, a senior fellow at the Center for Ethics and Policy Studies, said the testimony illustrates how social networks of wealthy individuals can intersect with legal scrutiny.
“The record clarifies public figures’ interactions with Epstein without implicating them in criminal activity,” Murphy said.
Political analyst David Keene of Georgetown University noted that the deposition could influence ongoing congressional oversight and public perception of elite accountability.
Committee member Rep. Jamie Raskin said the deposition provides “clarity on timelines and relationships” involving Epstein. Ethics lawyer Michelle D. Lee said Clinton’s testimony reinforces the importance of documenting interactions with high-profile donors.
Congressional oversight of Epstein-related networks may continue, particularly regarding the disclosure of past interactions among political leaders.
Further subpoenas could expand understanding of donor influence on former administrations.
Clinton’s testimony underscores the ongoing scrutiny of Epstein’s social connections and their intersection with US political figures, providing a factual record without indicating criminal culpability.
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