The emergence of newly released photographs allegedly showing former U.S. President Bill Clinton swimming alongside Ghislaine Maxwell and appearing close to women whose identities were obscured has stirred renewed controversy. The timing is notable, as Clinton—now 79—has largely been viewed in recent years as a senior, stabilizing figure within Democratic Party circles.
According to reporting by the Associated Press, the obscuring of faces in images taken from the Department of Justice’s Epstein-related records was done to protect individuals believed to be victims of the sex-trafficking network connected to Jeffrey Epstein and Maxwell.
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung amplified the discussion by sharing one of the images on X, depicting Clinton with an unidentified woman in a hot tub. His post echoed language reminiscent of the scandals that once dominated Clinton’s presidency, particularly the affair with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky. Cheung wrote that Clinton appeared carefree at the time, unaware of the consequences that would later unfold.
The New York Times described the photographs as a stark reminder of Clinton’s long-examined association with Epstein, as well as personal behavior that contrasted with his public image as a statesman. The paper suggested the images could intensify pressure from the House Oversight Committee, which has sought to question Clinton about his relationship with Epstein. Despite being subpoenaed—along with his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton—he has thus far avoided appearing before the committee.
