Epstein Files 2026: Maxwell Claims She Was "Central" to Clinton Global Initiative; New Photos of Bill Clinton Surface

Washington D.C.: The latest tranche of documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in February 2026 regarding the Jeffrey Epstein investigation has sent shockwaves through the American political landscape. Among the thousands of pages of emails, transcripts, and photos, the most explosive revelations center on Ghislaine Maxwell’s deep ties to former President Bill Clinton and his philanthropic empire.

In a stunning admission found within the unsealed transcripts, the convicted sex trafficker claimed she played a "central role" in the founding of the prestigious Clinton Global Initiative (CGI), fundamentally challenging the narrative of a distant acquaintance maintained by the Clinton camp for years.

The "Startup" Claim: Maxwell and CGI

According to a transcript of an interview between Maxwell and DOJ officials conducted in July 2025 (released now in Feb 2026), Maxwell was asked about her specific involvement with the Clinton Global Initiative.

• The Admission: When asked if she was involved in the "startup" of the initiative, Maxwell replied, "I was. I would say very central to that, yes."

• Epstein’s Shadow: She further revealed that while Jeffrey Epstein was "very enthusiastic" about her involvement and encouraged her to help the Clintons, he also tried to "insert himself" into the project. Maxwell noted that she found Epstein "annoying" during this period because he wanted to take credit for ideas that weren't his.

This revelation contradicts previous assertions that Maxwell and Epstein were merely donors or casual acquaintances. It suggests Maxwell had an operational or advisory role in one of the world's most high-profile charitable organizations.

The Photos: "Cake on the Jet" and the "Hot Tub" Mystery

The file dump also includes a series of never-before-seen photographs that are fueling intense public scrutiny.

1. The Private Jet Party: One image clearly shows Bill Clinton on what appears to be Epstein’s private jet (the "Lolita Express"), cutting a slice of cake for a woman whose face is redacted. Maxwell is seen in the frame, standing over the cake and taking a picture. This visual evidence complicates Clinton's past statements about the limited nature of his travel with Epstein.

2. The Hot Tub Image: Another controversial image shows a man resembling the former President in a hot tub. While the context and identity are fiercely contested by Clinton's legal team—who have suggested the images could be misleading or doctored—the inclusion of these photos in the official DOJ release has reignited the firestorm.

The Subpoena and Congressional Showdown

The release comes at a critical moment. The House Oversight Committee has issued subpoenas for both Bill and Hillary Clinton to testify regarding their knowledge of Epstein’s operations.

• Testimony Standoff: After initially refusing, reports on Monday (February 9, 2026) indicate that the Clintons may agree to testify on "mutually agreeable dates" to avoid being held in contempt of Congress.

• Maxwell’s Deposition: Simultaneously, Ghislaine Maxwell herself is scheduled to be deposed by Congress via video link from her prison cell today. However, her legal team has indicated she will likely invoke her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, calling the proceedings "political theater."

"My Friend, Not Epstein's"

In her DOJ interview, Maxwell made a concerted effort to distinguish her relationship with Clinton from Epstein’s. She explicitly stated that Bill Clinton was "my friend, not Epstein's friend," attempting to shield the former President from the darker aspects of Epstein’s predatory network. She also claimed to have met Hillary Clinton on a flight from Martha’s Vineyard, further cementing her access to the power couple