What happened?
Washington — The House Oversight Committee released hundreds of pages of Jeffrey Epstein’s estate documents Monday, including messages from powerful figures, one of which appears to be a handwritten note from former U.S. President Bill Clinton.
The documents come from Epstein’s 2003 “Birthday Book,” compiled by Ghislaine Maxwell for the financier’s 50th birthday. The collection also includes notes allegedly from Donald Trump, who denies writing his message.
Clinton’s ‘childlike’ message
The note attributed to Clinton reads in part:
“It’s reassuring isn’t it, to have lasted as long, across all the years of learning and knowing … and also to have your childlike curiosity, the drive to make a difference and the solace of friends.”
The phrasing, particularly the reference to “childlike curiosity,” has sparked discussion across social media, fueling speculation about Clinton’s ties to Epstein and the other high-profile individuals featured in the book.
Committee reactions
Republican Committee Chair James Comer accused Democrats of “cherry-picking” documents, while top Democrat Robert Garcia urged full transparency:
“It’s time for the President to tell us the truth about what he knew and release all the Epstein files. The American people are demanding answers.”
The letters, alongside other documents, aim to shed light on the social circles Epstein cultivated, including world leaders, politicians, and business elites.
Context and controversy
The Clinton note was first reported by The Wall Street Journal, which noted that Clinton had not spoken to Epstein in over a decade before his 2019 arrest. Clinton’s team maintains he “knows nothing about the terrible crimes” Epstein committed.
The release of these messages comes amid a broader congressional push to examine Epstein’s network and ensure no stone is left unturned in the investigation of his alleged crimes.
