Clinton hits back after Epstein files photos, accuses Trump of using him as ‘scapegoat’ 

Former United States president Bill Clinton has reacted strongly after newly released Epstein files featured several photographs of him, including images showing him half-naked in a pool with Ghislaine Maxwell and other women whose identities were redacted.

The files, released by the US Department of Justice under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, run into about 300,000 pages and include photos and documents linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Victims and minors were redacted, but several public figures, including Clinton, were left unredacted.

In a statement issued by his former chief of staff, Angel Urena, Clinton accused President Donald Trump and the White House of attempting to deflect attention by portraying him as a “scapegoat”.

“The White House hasn’t been hiding these files for months only to dump them late on a Friday to protect Bill Clinton,” Urena said. “This is about shielding themselves from what comes next. This isn’t about Bill Clinton. Never has been, never will be.”

Clinton appeared in multiple images released with the files, including photographs of him relaxing in a pool, attending dinners with Epstein, Maxwell and other high-profile figures, and posing in various social settings. One image also showed a portrait of Clinton dressed in women’s clothing, which has circulated widely on social media.

Despite the renewed controversy, Urena maintained that Clinton cut ties with Epstein as soon as concerns about his conduct became public.

“There are two types of people here: those who cut Epstein off before his crimes came to light, and those who continued relationships with him afterward. We are in the first group,” the statement said.

Urena’s remarks appeared to take aim at Trump, who has previously claimed Clinton visited Epstein’s private island multiple times — an allegation Clinton has denied. Trump has also said publicly that the Clintons spent significant time with Epstein.

However, Clinton’s camp insists there is no evidence he visited Epstein’s island. Trump’s chief of staff, Susie Wiles, recently said there is also “no evidence” to support claims of Clinton making repeated trips there.

While Clinton featured prominently in the released files, Trump appeared only sparingly, with his name and image showing up in a limited number of photographs and documents.