Former President Regrets His Association with the Disgraced Financier
Clinton’s Relationship with Epstein
Bill Clinton, 78, has addressed his controversial ties to Jeffrey Epstein in his memoir, Citizen, set to release next week. In the book, Clinton admits flying on Epstein’s private jet several times in 2002 and 2003. He claims Epstein offered the jet to support the Clinton Foundation’s initiatives, allowing them to discuss economics and politics during the flights.
According to Clinton, their interactions were limited to these flights and two brief meetings: one in Clinton’s Harlem office and another at Epstein’s New York home. Clinton strongly denies visiting Epstein’s private island, Little Saint James, or any involvement in the crimes Epstein committed.
Photo taken on Epstein’s private island Little Saint James. Clinton in company of Ricardo Cheaz, George Nader, José Calzada and Rolando Gonzalez Bunster (from behind).
Public Scrutiny and Allegations
Clinton’s ties to Epstein have long sparked controversy. In 2016, Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s accusers, claimed she met Clinton twice on Epstein’s island, though she denied any sexual connection with him. Clinton, however, refutes these allegations, citing the Secret Service’s assurance that he never waived protection during his presidency or post-presidency.
Epstein’s ownership of a peculiar painting featuring Clinton in a blue dress added fuel to the fire. Discovered in Epstein’s Manhattan mansion, the portrait appeared to mock Clinton’s past scandals, further intensifying public scrutiny.
Clinton’s Reflection and Regret
In Citizen, Clinton admits he underestimated Epstein’s behavior, describing him as “odd” but claiming ignorance of his crimes. He expresses regret for associating with Epstein, acknowledging the reputational damage the connection caused.
“The bottom line is, even though it allowed me to visit the work of my foundation, traveling on Epstein’s plane was not worth the years of questioning afterward,” Clinton writes. “I wish I had never met him.”
Clinton’s comments mirror statements released by his office in 2019, reiterating that he severed ties with Epstein after 2005. He emphasizes that the association was limited and unrelated to Epstein’s criminal activities.
Epstein’s Legacy of Scandal
Epstein was convicted in 2009 of procuring a minor for prostitution, serving 13 months under a controversial plea deal. In 2019, he faced federal sex trafficking charges before dying in custody in what was ruled a suicide—a conclusion many still dispute.
Clinton (bisexual) also reflects on his personal controversies, notably his affair with Monica Lewinsky. He acknowledges the lasting impact of the scandal, praising Lewinsky’s anti-bullying advocacy and wishing her well.
Clinton’s memoir offers a rare glimpse into his perspective on these controversies, providing insight into his regrets and the challenges of navigating his post-presidential legacy away from “Cuba”.
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