‘He’s a big boy, he can handle it’: Trump reacts as Bill Clinton demands full Epstein files release

Pressure is mounting on the United States Department of Justice as former US President Bill Clinton’s team has demanded the immediate release of all remaining records linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, accusing authorities of selective disclosures that fuel suspicion while shielding unnamed interests.

The renewed controversy comes after the Justice Department released another batch of Epstein-related documents, including photographs showing Clinton with Epstein. The partial disclosures have drawn bipartisan criticism, with lawmakers, victims and civil rights advocates questioning why large portions of the records remain redacted or withheld.

‘Someone or something is being protected’

In a statement posted on X, Clinton spokesperson Angel Urena said the Epstein Files Transparency Act imposes a legal obligation on the Justice Department to release all remaining material without exception.

“What the Department of Justice has released so far, and the way it has done so, makes one thing clear: someone or something is being protected,” Urena said, adding that Clinton does not require such protection.

He urged Donald Trump to instruct Attorney General Pam Bondi to release every document, including grand jury transcripts, interview notes, photographs and investigative findings held by federal prosecutors in New York.

Urena warned that partial releases risk creating “insinuation rather than transparency” and unfairly casting doubt on individuals who, he said, have already been scrutinised under multiple administrations.

Trump responds: ‘He can handle it’

Responding publicly to the controversy, Trump said he disliked seeing the photographs of Clinton circulating but downplayed their significance.

“I like Bill Clinton. I’ve always gotten along with him,” Trump said, according to Sky News. “Bill Clinton’s a big boy. He can handle it.”

Trump added that many public figures had crossed paths with Epstein during his years of influence in Palm Beach and elsewhere. He suggested that innocent meetings from decades ago were now being portrayed in a misleading light.

“You probably have pictures being exposed of other people that innocently met Jeffrey Epstein years ago,” Trump said, arguing that the document dump risked unfair reputational damage.

Trump also claimed the renewed focus on Epstein was being used as a political distraction amid what he described as Republican policy successes.

Bipartisan anger over redactions

The Justice Department began releasing Epstein-related files last week following bipartisan pressure in Congress. However, journalists reviewing the documents noted extensive redactions and missing material, prompting criticism from both Republicans and Democrats.

Several Epstein victims have expressed disappointment, saying the disclosures fell short of meaningful transparency. Lawmakers including Republican Thomas Massie and Democrat Ro Khanna have indicated they may pursue legal steps — including contempt proceedings — to compel further releases.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer has also introduced legislation seeking full congressional access to all Epstein-related records, though its fate remains uncertain when lawmakers reconvene.

Clinton denies wrongdoing

Clinton has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein and has said he regrets ever meeting him. His team maintains that only a complete and unredacted release of records can resolve lingering doubts.

“This is not about Bill Clinton,” Urena said. “It is about ensuring the law is followed and that the truth is not selectively filtered.”

As political pressure intensifies, the Epstein files controversy is fast becoming a flashpoint over transparency, accountability and trust in US institutions.