Democrats snub Bill Clinton in Presidents’ Day social media post

The party omitted Clinton and Truman from its Presidents’ Day tribute, drawing criticism and fueling speculation about the snub’s motivation
PUBLISHED FEB 17, 2026
Bill Clinton was omitted from a Democratic Party Presidents’ Day social media collage (Getty Images)
Bill Clinton was omitted from a Democratic Party Presidents’ Day social media collage (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: The Democratic Party recently sparked controversy with its Presidents’ Day social‑media tribute when it omitted former President Bill Clinton from an official image celebrating past Democratic leaders.

Clinton, one of the party’s most electorally successful presidents, was left out alongside Harry Truman, provoking reactions from across the political spectrum. The omission has led to criticism, mockery, and speculation about why Clinton was excluded from the graphic despite his longstanding role in the Democratic Party.



Bill Clinton overlooked by the Democratic Party

On Monday, February 16, the official X account of the Democratic Party posted a “Happy Presidents’ Day” collage featuring Democratic presidents including John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, Jimmy Carter, Franklin Roosevelt, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden.

Noticeably absent from the image were Clinton and Truman, even though Clinton won two terms and left office with a 66% approval rating. The Republican National Committee (RNC) seized on the omission, quickly retweeting the Democrats’ original post with a picture of Clinton sitting next to Hillary Clinton and captioning it, “Forget someone again??”

Although Clinton remains one of the most popular recent presidents, his tenure was marked by controversy. The late former Solicitor General of the US Kenneth Starr conducted an investigation into Clinton’s involvement in a 1978 Arkansas land deal, known as "Whitewater."

Although Clinton was never formally charged in the controversy, his Arkansas business partners, Jim and Susan McDougal, were convicted in connection with the failed land deal. Hillary had previously worked for the law firm representing McDougal’s bank, and Clinton’s successor as governor, Jim Guy Tucker, was also convicted.

The Whitewater investigation eventually led Starr to uncover the Monica Lewinsky scandal, involving Clinton’s alleged inappropriate relationship with a White House intern.

On January 26, 1998, amid impeachment proceedings stemming from Starr’s findings, Clinton publicly asserted his innocence at the conclusion of a press conference on childcare policy.

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton speaks onstage during the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) on September 23, 2024 in New York City. Coinciding with the U.N. General Assembly, the Clinton Global Initiative brings together business, government, and civil society leaders to drive progress on humanitarian response efforts to global crises. (Alex Kent/Getty Images)
Bill Clinton spoke onstage during the Clinton Global Initiative on September 23, 2024 in New York City (Alex Kent/Getty Images)

Bill Clinton’s ties to Epstein under congressional scrutiny

Speculation has also focused on Clinton’s connection to the Epstein files. Reports indicate he flew on Jeffrey Epstein’s private jet at least 16 times between 2001 and 2003.

Recently released Department of Justice documents include photographs of Clinton with Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, including one showing a shirtless Clinton in a hot tub with an individual identified by the DOJ as a victim of Epstein’s abuse.

Clinton and Hillary also agreed to testify as part of a congressional investigation into his connections with Epstein. “The former President and former ‌Secretary of State will be there. They look forward to setting a precedent that applies to everyone,” the Clintons’ deputy chief of staff, Angel Urena, said ‌in a post on social media.

NEW YORK, NY - JULY 08: A protest group called
A protest group displayed Jeffrey Epstein signs outside a federal courthouse on July 8, 2019 in New York City (Stephanie Keith/Getty Images)

Hillary has criticized President Donald Trump’s administration, accusing it of a "cover-up" in its handling of files. "Get the files out. They are slow-walking it," she told the BBC in Berlin while attending the annual World Forum.

The White House, however, maintained that by releasing the files, they had done "more for the victims than Democrats ever have." When asked whether Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor should appear before a congressional committee, Hillary responded, "I think everyone should testify who is asked to testify."

She further stated, "The report noted that appearing in the files is not an indication of wrongdoing, and Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing.”

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