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
UPDATED FEB 15, 2026
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.

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