Trump Says Bill Clinton Can ‘Handle’ Epstein File Photos

In his first public comments since the Justice Department began releasing files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, President Donald Trump addressed the controversy over former President Bill Clinton’s presence in several newly released photos. Trump said he “hated to see photos come out” of Clinton but described him as a “big boy” who can handle it. He added that many individuals who appeared in images with Epstein were not involved in criminal activity.

The DOJ’s release on December 19, 2025, of thousands of documents and images was mandated by the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a bipartisan law requiring unclassified materials related to Epstein’s investigations be published. The appearance of Clinton and others sparked debate over both the release and the context provided for the photos.

Trump’s Framing and Broader Criticism

Trump emphasised that he had always gotten along with Clinton and said the photographs were a “terrible thing” to see published without a clear explanation. He argued that many people shown alongside Epstein “innocently met” him at social functions years ago, and that releasing such material without context could damage reputations unfairly.

“Bill Clinton’s a big boy. He can handle it,” Trump stated, repeating his defence of Clinton’s ability to deal with media scrutiny. He also stressed that others shown in the files — including respected bankers and lawyers — might face undue criticism simply for appearing in photos, rather than for any evidence of wrongdoing.

Trump framed the controversy as partly politically motivated, claiming that Democrats and some Republicans pushed the files’ release to distract from recent Republican political accomplishments. He also noted that photos of himself were included in the release, underscoring his point that Epstein’s social circles were extensive.

Context of the Epstein Files

Photos released by the DOJ include historical images of Epstein with a range of public figures, but no one shown has been charged based solely on those images. Former President Clinton’s office has criticised the partial releases, with his spokesperson calling for all materials referencing him to be published to demonstrate there is nothing to hide.

Critics of the releases — including victims’ advocates and some lawmakers — argue that redactions and the sequencing of disclosed files may make certain individuals appear more implicated than they are. Supporters of full transparency insist that all material must be made public so that context can be properly understood and reputations are not unfairly tarnished.

In defending Clinton, Trump also acknowledged the broader point that Epstein maintained extensive social networks in elite circles, noting that many individuals knew him socially without involvement in any illegal activity. This argument reflects a larger debate about how to handle historical associations in large public disclosures.

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