Trump Orders Investigation into Clinton Amid Epstein Scrutiny

US President Donald Trump has initiated an investigation into the connections between Jeffrey Epstein and former President Bill Clinton. This move comes as Trump faces increasing pressure regarding his own past relationship with the deceased financier, who was implicated in a high-profile sex trafficking scandal before his death in prison in 2019.

Trump’s directive, announced on March 15, 2024, includes a request for the Justice Department and the FBI to examine not just Clinton’s ties to Epstein, but also those of banking giant JPMorgan Chase and former Harvard president Larry Summers, who served as Clinton’s treasury secretary. This action follows the release of new emails from Epstein that have raised questions about Trump’s relationships and activities.

In a statement on Truth Social, Trump said he would be asking Attorney General Pam Bondi and the FBI to investigate “Jeffrey Epstein’s involvement and relationship with Bill Clinton, Larry Summers, Reid Hoffman, J.P. Morgan, Chase, and many other people and institutions.” He emphasized that records indicated these individuals spent “large portions of their life with Epstein, and on his ‘Island.’”

Details of the Investigation

Trump’s request for an investigation comes amid a recent memo from the FBI and Justice Department, which indicated that they had not found sufficient evidence to warrant an inquiry into uncharged third parties connected to Epstein. This memo has drawn criticism from members of Trump’s political base, especially after it stated that a so-called “client list” Bondi had referenced did not exist.

Despite previous claims of his innocence, Trump has faced scrutiny regarding his long-standing friendship with Epstein. The President has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The emails released included references to Epstein suggesting that Trump “knew about the girls” and had spent significant time with one of Epstein’s victims, Virginia Giuffre. Giuffre, who died by suicide in April 2023, had previously stated that Trump “couldn’t have been friendlier,” but the ongoing allegations continue to cast a shadow over his administration.

In the wake of Trump’s announcement, Bondi stated that the Justice Department would work with “urgency and integrity” on this matter, appointing senior New York prosecutor Jay Clayton to lead the investigation.

Reactions and Implications

The investigation into Clinton’s ties to Epstein is not new; Clinton has faced scrutiny for his past interactions with the financier, including flights on Epstein’s private jet. Although Clinton has not been accused of any wrongdoing, Epstein claimed in emails that Clinton “never ever” visited his private island in the Caribbean.

JPMorgan Chase, which settled a $290 million class-action lawsuit in 2023 brought forth by Epstein’s victims, has denied Trump’s allegations. The bank issued a statement asserting, “The government had damning information about his crimes and failed to share it with us or other banks. We regret any association we had with the man, but did not help him commit his heinous acts.”

Trump’s comments on social media also indicated a desire to move past the controversy, stating, “Don’t waste your time with Trump. I have a Country to run!” His remarks come at a time when his administration is attempting to navigate multiple challenges, including the fallout from the longest government shutdown in US history.

As this investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen how it will impact both Trump’s presidency and the ongoing discourse surrounding Epstein’s network of influential associates. The US House of Representatives is expected to vote soon on a measure urging the White House to release files related to Epstein, further complicating the political landscape for Trump.