SCOTLAND – In a move that has once again ignited a political firestorm, President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters before departing for his golf resorts in Scotland, vehemently deflected ongoing scrutiny regarding his own past associations with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Instead, he squarely pointed the finger at former President Bill Clinton, asserting, “You ought to be talking about Bill Clinton!1 Who went to the island 28 times. I never went to the island.”
The President’s remarks came as his administration continues to grapple with renewed public interest in the Epstein case, fueled by recently unsealed documents and ongoing investigations. While facing questions about potential pardons for Epstein’s associates and his own name appearing in some related files, Trump quickly pivoted, aiming to redirect the media’s focus.2
“I don’t even know what they’re talking about,” Trump stated, referring to questions about his alleged connections to Epstein.3 He then launched into his criticism of Clinton, emphasizing the stark contrast he perceives between their respective relationships with the disgraced financier. “I’ll give you a list,” Trump added, implying a broader network of prominent individuals who, in his view, deserve more attention in the Epstein saga.4
This isn’t the first time President Trump has brought up Bill Clinton in connection with Jeffrey Epstein. Over the years, he has repeatedly highlighted Clinton’s past travel on Epstein’s private jet, often dubbed the “Lolita Express,” and alleged visits to Epstein’s private island, Little St. James. Clinton’s representatives have consistently denied that the former President ever visited the island. Flight logs, while showing Clinton was on Epstein’s plane for various trips, do not explicitly confirm visits to the island itself.
The timing of Trump’s latest remarks is particularly noteworthy. They follow reports that Attorney General Pam Bondi had briefed him earlier this year on his name being referenced in unsealed Epstein documents.5 The President, however, has denied being briefed on this and has dismissed any links as politically motivated “con jobs” orchestrated by Democrats
The statement also comes amidst a broader narrative from the White House, which has been attempting to reframe the Epstein controversy as a partisan attack aimed at distracting from the current administration’s perceived successes. Vice President J.D. Vance has also joined in, publicly criticizing media outlets for what he describes as “hit pieces” against the President regarding Epstein.
As investigations continue and public curiosity surrounding Epstein’s extensive network persists, President Trump’s strategy appears to be one of aggressive counter-accusation, seeking to shift the narrative and place other high-profile figures, particularly political adversaries, under the microscope. The efficacy of this approach in swaying public opinion and diverting attention from his own past associations remains to be seen.
