Fact check: Bill Clinton’s relationship with Epstein

1. Summary of the results

The relationship between Bill Clinton and Jeffrey Epstein was complex and documented through multiple sources, though the exact nature and extent remain disputed. Key established facts include:

• Clinton took multiple flights on Epstein's private jet between 2002-2003, with sources varying on the exact number: from 17 flights ^[1] to potentially 26 flights ^[2]
• The destinations included Siberia, Morocco, China, and Armenia ^[1]
• Clinton and Epstein were photographed together in Brunei in 2002, where Clinton spoke positively about Epstein as a "successful financier and committed philanthropist" ^[3]

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several important contextual elements need to be considered:

• Clinton's Explanation: He maintains that all trips were for Clinton Foundation humanitarian work and included staff and Secret Service ^[2]. He claims to have ceased contact with Epstein by 2005 and only met him twice privately ^[4]
• Disputed Island Visit:
• A former Clinton associate, Doug Band, claimed Clinton visited Epstein's island in January 2003 ^[5]
• Clinton's spokesperson denied this claim ^[5]
• Reuters investigated alleged photos of Clinton on the island and found they were from different locations ^[5]
• Recent Developments:
• Clinton was named 73 times in recent court documents related to Epstein, though without direct accusations of wrongdoing ^[6]
• Epstein victim Johanna Sjöberg claimed Epstein once said "Clinton likes them young," though she made no specific allegations of wrongdoing ^[7]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The topic is subject to various biases and potential misinformation:

• Flight Numbers Discrepancy: Different sources cite varying numbers of flights, from 4 trips ^[2] to 26 flights ^[2], showing how facts can be selectively presented
• Secret Service Presence: Some sources note that Secret Service agents were not present on all flights ^[1], while Clinton claims all trips were accompanied by Secret Service ^[2]
• Political Implications: The story benefits various groups:
• Political opponents who can use the association to discredit Clinton
• Media outlets that benefit from the controversial nature of the story
• Clinton's team, who benefit from emphasizing the humanitarian nature of the trips and denying wrongdoing

It's worth noting that Clinton has consistently denied knowledge of Epstein's crimes ^[7] and expressed regret about the association ^[4].