Fact-Check: "Bill Clinton visited Epstein's island 28 times"
What We Know
The claim that "Bill Clinton visited Epstein's island 28 times" originates from comments made by former President Donald Trump during a press conference. Trump stated, "I never went to the island, but Larry Summers, I hear, went there. He was the head of Harvard and many other people that are very big people... But Bill Clinton went there, supposedly, 28 times" (Global News).
Clinton has publicly denied any wrongdoing or knowledge of Epstein's criminal activities. A spokesperson for Clinton reiterated that he had not spoken to Epstein in over a decade and had never visited Little St. James Island, Epstein's private retreat (Newsweek). Flight logs from Epstein's private jet show that Clinton flew on the plane multiple times, but they do not confirm any trips to the island itself (Newsweek).
Additionally, a former associate of Clinton, Doug Band, claimed in a 2020 interview that Clinton did visit Epstein's island in January 2003, although this assertion lacks corroborating evidence (Newsweek).
Analysis
The assertion that Clinton visited Epstein's island 28 times lacks direct evidence. Trump's statement is based on his own claims, which have not been substantiated by independent sources. The reliability of Trump's comments is questionable, as they are often made in a politically charged context, aiming to divert attention from his own connections to Epstein (Global News).
While Clinton's spokesperson has denied the allegations and emphasized that Clinton has not been in contact with Epstein for many years, the existence of flight logs showing Clinton's travel on Epstein's jet complicates the narrative. However, these logs do not provide evidence of visits to the island itself (Newsweek).
Doug Band's claims, while potentially credible given his past association with Clinton, are anecdotal and lack supporting documentation. This makes them less reliable as evidence of Clinton's presence on the island.
In summary, while Trump's claim that Clinton visited the island 28 times is notable, it is primarily based on his assertions without corroborating evidence. The sources surrounding this claim exhibit varying degrees of reliability, with Trump's comments being the least reliable due to their political context.
Conclusion
The claim that "Bill Clinton visited Epstein's island 28 times" is Partially True. While Trump made this assertion, there is no direct evidence to substantiate it. Clinton has denied visiting the island, and existing flight logs do not confirm such visits. Thus, while the claim has some basis in Trump's statements, it lacks the necessary evidence to be fully verified.
Sources
- Trump says he turned down offer to go to Epstein island
- Trump explains fallout with Epstein, denies ever visiting his ...
- Did Bill Clinton Visit Jeffrey Epstein's Island? What We Know
- Epstein's birthday book also included an entry from Bill ...
- Trump Says Bill Clinton Visited Epstein's Island '28 Times'
- Trump Reveals Bill Clinton Visited Epstein Island 28 Times ...
- Trump says he 'never had the privilege of going' to Epstein ...
- Bill Clinton reportedly sent Jeffrey Epstein note for birthday ...