Hillary Clinton warns Epstein files are 'horrifying,' demands accountability

Clinton urges full transparency as she and Bill prepare to testify before House investigators amid scrutiny over Epstein connections
Hillary Clinton called for full transparency on Epstein files as she prepared to testify before the House committee (Dominik Bindl/Getty Images)
Hillary Clinton called for full transparency on Epstein files as she prepared to testify before the House committee (Dominik Bindl/Getty Images)


MUNICH, GERMANY: Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton spoke out on Saturday, February 14, about the troubling details emerging from the Justice Department’s release of Jeffrey Epstein’s files. She described the information as “very troubling and really horrific” but cautioned against assuming guilt based solely on a name appearing in the documents.

Clinton emphasized the need for transparency, stating that full disclosure is critical to allow the public to understand the scope of the allegations and hold those responsible accountable.

Hillary Clinton labels Epstein files as 'horrifying'

During her appearance at the 62nd Munich Security Conference, Clinton was asked how the revelations about Western leaders in the files reflect on Western values. She described the details as deeply disturbing, saying, “It’s horrifying and we’re hoping that, you know, there will be continued release every day that passes.”

She added that the information must be “totally transparent” so the public can see the facts and, when appropriate, hold people accountable. However, Clinton cautioned against drawing immediate conclusions about the guilt of anyone listed in the files, stating, “That doesn't mean, as our news commentators say every day in the United States, that because someone's name is there, they committed a crime." 

Hillary Clinton moderates the panel talk
Clinton moderated the panel 'Girls Just Want to Have Fundamental Rights' at the 62nd Munich Security Conference (Johannes Simon/Getty Images)

Clinton mocks Bannon’s alleged Pope plot

Clinton also addressed a story in the files linking Steve Bannon and Epstein in a plan to remove Pope Francis from power. She mocked the idea, saying, “It came out that Steve Bannon was trying to get Jeffrey Epstein to help him overthrow Pope Francis. I guess that was part of the civilizational, conservative true conservatism.”

She stressed that information like this highlights why she has long advocated for the full release of documents, arguing that revealing high-level interactions with Epstein is essential for transparency.

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton, former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former Secretary of Health and Human Services Donna Shalala attend the funeral service of former Labor Secretary Alexis Herman at the National Cathedral on May 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. Alexis Herman served as the 23rd Secretary of Labor from 1997 to 2001 under President Bill Clinton and was the first Black woman to hold the position. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Bill and Hillary Clinton attended the funeral of former Labor Secretary Alexis Herman at the National Cathedral in 2025 (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Clintons prepare for House depositions

Alongside her statements Hillary Clinton and her husband, former President Bill Clinton are facing legal scrutiny. The couple has agreed to provide testimony to a House committee on February 26 and 27 after initially refusing.

Investigators are looking into Bill Clinton’s past friendship with Epstein, including flights on Epstein’s private plane for charity events. Bill Clinton has repeatedly stated he “knew nothing” about Epstein’s criminal activities and claimed he ended contact with Epstein long before the financier’s arrest. The Clintons maintain their innocence and view the investigation as politically motivated.

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

California Rep turns social media broadside into mockery over Trump skipping son’s wedding
1 hour ago
Pete Hegseth urged cadets to rapidly adapt to evolving warfare technologies including drones, artificial intelligence and advanced air defense systems
2 hours ago
Trump says Iran situation improving, declines details, ‘every day it gets better and better’
2 hours ago
'Think one of two things will happen: either I hit them harder than they have ever been hit, or we are going to sign a deal that is good', Trump said
3 hours ago
Mace says she would extend proposed restrictions to current lawmakers if legally possible
3 hours ago
After taking office, President Trump pardoned, commuted, or vowed to drop charges against all Capitol riot defendants
3 hours ago
Lutnick faces corruption claims after major GOP PAC donation ahead of Capitol briefing
4 hours ago
CENTCOM said the naval operation blocked commercial access to Iranian ports while keeping humanitarian shipping routes open
4 hours ago
Rubio says Iran breakthrough may not be immediate, could emerge within days if talks progress
5 hours ago
CIA Director John Ratcliffe told Cuba that the US could engage on trade and security if Havana 'makes fundamental changes'
5 hours ago