Why is Trump targeting Bill Clinton as DOJ launches new Epstein probe?Here’s what we know

The U.S. Justice Department has confirmed that it will act on President Donald Trump’s request to investigate Jeffrey Epstein’s alleged ties to former President Bill Clinton, major financial institutions, and several high-profile Democratic donors. The move comes just days after thousands of Epstein-related emails were released by the US Congress, sparking renewed scrutiny of political figures linked to the late financier.

Thank you, Mr. President. SDNY U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton is one of the most capable and trusted prosecutors in the country, and I’ve asked him to take the lead. As with all matters, the Department will pursue this with urgency and integrity to deliver answers to the American… pic.twitter.com/5zlybVu44U

— Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) November 14, 2025

According to reporting, Trump publicly urged Attorney General Pam Bondi and the FBI to examine Epstein’s “involvement and relationship” with Clinton, former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman, and banking giant JPMorgan. Bondi stated that the department would pursue the matter “with urgency and integrity,” appointing U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton to oversee the inquiry.

Email Dump Intensifies Political Pressure

The decision follows the release of over 20,000 pages of documents and 2,324 email threads, many of which mention Trump himself. The Wall Street Journal reportedly found Trump referenced in more than 1,600 email chains, prompting Democrats to accuse him of deflecting scrutiny by directing the Justice Department to investigate political rivals.

Leading Democrat Robert Garcia said Trump’s request was a clear attempt “to deflect from serious new questions we have about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.”

The newly released documents include email exchanges between Epstein and several well-known figures, including Summers and Epstein’s longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell. One email from 2011 shows Epstein referencing Trump directly, writing:
“I want you to realize that that dog that hasn’t barked is Trump.”

READ ALSO

Explosive Epstein emails: Did Trump ‘spend hours’ with victim? New documents spark firestorm

Clinton, JPMorgan, Summers, and Hoffman Respond

Bill Clinton has long denied any knowledge of Epstein’s crimes. His deputy chief of staff stated that the emails “prove Bill Clinton did nothing and knew nothing.”

JPMorgan, which previously settled a multi-million-dollar suit involving its past relationship with Epstein, said it regrets “any association” with him and denied aiding his criminal activities.

Reid Hoffman called Trump’s accusations “political persecution” and urged the release of all files relating to Epstein.

A Justice Department memo released earlier this year found no credible evidence linking Clinton, Summers, or Hoffman to Epstein’s trafficking activities.

House Vote Looms as Congress Demands Full Release of Epstein Files

The Justice Department’s move coincides with a growing push in Congress to release all files related to Epstein’s history and associates. A House vote is scheduled next week after Democrat Adelita Grijalva provided the decisive 218th signature needed to force action,  by four Republicans.

Trump, who has often criticized the department’s handling of the case, has declined to take questions as pressure builds. Support for releasing the files has also emerged from within Trump’s own party, with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene calling it a “huge miscalculation” if Trump opposes full transparency.

Political and Legal Experts Warn of ‘Vindictive Prosecution’ Risks

Legal analysts caution that Trump’s pressure on the DOJ could backfire. Former federal prosecutor Patrick J. Cotter called the move “outrageously inappropriate,” noting that directing investigations at political rivals can trigger claims of vindictive prosecution—potentially undermining any resulting cases.

Despite Trump’s insistence that “Epstein was a Democrat,” memos from federal investigators specify that no incriminating client list has been found and no evidence of blackmail involving prominent individuals has surfaced.

Trump’s Own Connection to Epstein Under Renewed Spotlight

Trump and Epstein were known to be social acquaintances in the 1990s and early 2000s. Trump claims he cut ties before Epstein’s 2008 conviction and has repeatedly denied knowledge of Epstein’s abuse and trafficking. While many of the newly released emails discuss Trump, none were sent or received by him.

Still, recent polling shows that only four in 10 Republicans approve of Trump’s handling of the Epstein revelations, a sharp decline compared to his overall approval rating among GOP voters.

FAQ

1. Why did Trump order an investigation into Bill Clinton’s ties to Epstein?

Trump asked the DOJ to investigate Epstein’s connections to Clinton and other Democratic figures following the release of thousands of Epstein-related emails that renewed scrutiny of political relationships.

2. Did the DOJ confirm the investigation?

Yes. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that the department will pursue the probe and appointed U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton to lead it.

3. What new Epstein documents triggered this move?

More than 20,000 pages and over 2,300 email threads released by the House Oversight Committee, many of which reference Trump and other high-profile individuals.

4. Is there evidence linking Clinton or others to Epstein’s trafficking?

A prior DOJ/FBI memo states there is no credible evidence linking Clinton, Summers, or Hoffman to Epstein’s crimes.

5. Why are Democrats accusing Trump of deflection?

They argue Trump is redirecting attention away from questions about his own relationship with Epstein.

6. What is Congress doing about the Epstein files?

The House will vote on legislation requiring the DOJ to release all remaining Epstein-related files. The measure gained bipartisan support.

7. What roles do JPMorgan and Larry Summers play in the investigation?

JPMorgan had past financial ties to Epstein, and Summers exchanged emails with him. Both deny wrongdoing.

8. What is the risk of “vindictive prosecution”?

Legal experts warn that Trump’s direct interventions may be used in court to challenge the legitimacy of any resulting criminal cases.

9. Has Trump denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein?

Yes. Trump says he broke ties with Epstein before his conviction and denies knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities.

10. Did newly released emails involve direct communication from Trump?

No. Trump is mentioned frequently in the emails, but he did not send or receive them.