Hillary Clinton accuses Trump administration of Epstein files 'cover-up' in BBC interview

February 17, 2026

Hillary Clinton has publicly criticized the Trump administration for what she calls a "cover-up" in releasing files related to deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, demanding full transparency. The Department of Justice released millions of pages of Epstein-related documents earlier this month, though three million pages were withheld due to sensitive content and ongoing investigations. Both Hillary and Bill Clinton have agreed to testify before a congressional committee in late February after initially refusing, which would mark the first time a former president has testified to Congress since 1983.

Who is affected

Jeffrey Epstein's abuse survivors/victims
Hillary and Bill Clinton (scheduled to testify before congressional committee)
Donald Trump (mentioned in Epstein files, accused of cover-up)
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor/Prince Andrew (facing pressure to testify)
Virginia Giuffre (Prince Andrew's prominent accuser who died by suicide in 2025)
Ghislaine Maxwell (Epstein's convicted associate)
US Department of Justice
Congressional Oversight Committee members
Kentucky Republican Representative Thomas Massie (co-wrote transparency law)
Republican committee chair James Comer

What action is being taken

The US Department of Justice is releasing files related to Jeffrey Epstein (millions of pages released earlier this month, though the agency claims all required files have now been released)
The White House is defending its handling of the document release
The congressional Oversight Committee is putting pressure on various individuals to testify
Hillary Clinton is publicly calling for full file release and demanding transparency
The Trump administration is cooperating with the House Oversight Committee's subpoena request

Why it matters

This situation matters because it involves accountability and transparency regarding one of the most high-profile sex trafficking cases in recent history, with potential connections to powerful political figures and public officials. The handling of Epstein-related files has significant implications for justice for abuse survivors and public trust in government institutions. The testimony of a former president before Congress is a rare historic event that underscores the gravity of the investigation. The ongoing political battle over document release and testimony reflects broader concerns about whether all individuals connected to Epstein, regardless of political affiliation or status, will face equal scrutiny and accountability.

What's next

Bill Clinton will testify before the congressional committee on February 27
Hillary Clinton will testify before the congressional committee on February 26 (the day before her husband)
The Clintons are pushing for their congressional hearing to be held in public rather than as a closed-door deposition
Lawmakers are calling for the DoJ to release internal memos outlining past decisions on whether to charge Epstein and his associates

Read full article from source: BBC