In a surprising twist, former US President Donald Trump has attempted to redirect attention from his own connections to Jeffrey Epstein by pointing fingers at ex-Democrat Tulsi Gabbard. The controversial remarks came during a recent interview where Trump dismissed scrutiny of his ties to Epstein, instead accusing Gabbard of being "involved" without providing evidence.
Trump's Deflection Tactics
Trump, who has faced longstanding questions about his association with the convicted sex offender, claimed that Gabbard was "all over" Epstein's flight logs. This assertion appears to be part of a broader pattern where the former president deflects criticism by making unsubstantiated claims about political opponents.
Pam Bondi's Role in the Controversy
The situation grew more complex when former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, a Trump ally, defended the ex-president by claiming Epstein's victims had never accused him of wrongdoing. Legal experts have questioned this defence, noting that Epstein's victims primarily targeted the financier himself and his close associates.
Gabbard Fires Back
Gabbard, a former Democratic presidential candidate who later left the party, swiftly denied Trump's allegations. She challenged him to produce any evidence supporting his claims, calling the accusation a transparent attempt to shift focus from his own documented interactions with Epstein.
Historical Context of Trump-Epstein Ties
Records show Trump and Epstein were socially connected in the 1990s and early 2000s, with the property tycoon once describing Epstein as a "terrific guy" who liked "beautiful women." While Trump claims to have had a falling out with Epstein years before his arrest, the nature of their relationship continues to draw scrutiny.
The latest controversy highlights how Epstein's shadow continues to loom over American politics, with various figures attempting to distance themselves while others weaponise the association for political gain.
