WASHINGTON — In a high-stakes videotaped deposition released Monday, March 2, 2026, former President Bill Clinton provided rare insight into the shared social circles of America’s political elite. Testifying before the House Oversight Committee, Clinton recounted a specific conversation with Donald Trump in which the future president reminisced about his long-standing, yet eventually fractured, relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
1. The 2002 Golf Course Conversation
Clinton testified that the exchange occurred at a golf tournament around 2002 or 2003, shortly after he had left the White House.
- The Quote: According to Clinton, Trump approached him after learning Clinton had traveled on Epstein’s private jet. Trump reportedly said, “You know, we had some great times together over the years, but we fell out all because of a real estate deal.”
- No “Red Flags”: Clinton told lawmakers that at the time, Trump’s remarks didn’t strike him as suspicious or indicative of the criminal activities that would later come to light regarding Epstein’s predatory behavior.
2. Clinton’s Defense of His Own Ties
The former President faced intense questioning regarding his own documented association with the financier.
- The Introduction: Clinton stated he was introduced to Epstein by former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, who pitched Epstein as a potential donor for Clinton’s global charitable initiatives.
- The “Lolita Express”: While admitting to flying on Epstein’s jet to Asia, Africa, Europe, and between Florida and New York, Clinton insisted the association ended in 2003.
- The 17 Visits: In a notable moment of the testimony, Clinton claimed he was completely unaware that Epstein had visited the White House 17 times during his two terms as President (1993–2001).
- The Island: He categorically denied ever visiting Epstein’s private Caribbean island, Little St. James, or having any sexual contact with individuals introduced by Epstein or Ghislaine Maxwell.
3. The Trump-Epstein Timeline
The testimony highlights the overlapping timelines of both presidents’ interactions with Epstein before his 2008 guilty plea for soliciting a minor.
- Trump’s Distance: Trump has previously stated he “fell out” with Epstein in the mid-2000s and was “not a fan.”
- No Criminal Allegations: To date, neither Clinton nor Trump has been charged with any criminal activity related to Epstein. Both maintain they never witnessed evidence of sex trafficking during their interactions.
Fact Sheet: The Epstein Connections
| Feature | Bill Clinton | Donald Trump |
| Introductory Source | Larry Summers (Charity donor) | Palm Beach social circles |
| Primary Interaction | International flights for Foundation work | Social events & Real estate discussions |
| Point of Divergence | Association ended circa 2003 | Relationship ended over a real estate dispute |
| White House Visits | 17 (per records; denied by Clinton) | Not applicable (prior to presidency) |
| Legal Status | Never accused of criminal activity | Never accused of criminal activity |