Monica Lewinsky has publicly declared that former President Bill Clinton should have stepped down during his impeachment ordeal.
During a recent podcast appearance, she discussed the long-term effects of the scandal on her life and the choices Clinton could have made, New York Post reported.
On February 25, 2025, Lewinsky was a guest on the "Call Her Daddy" podcast hosted by Alex Cooper, where she opened up about her infamous relationship with Clinton. This relationship, which began when she was an intern at the White House from 1995 to 1997, led to a massive political and personal scandal.
During the conversation, Lewinsky argued that President Clinton had alternatives to lying about their affair, which could have prevented damage to her public image. She opined that resignation would have been a suitable course of action for Clinton during the impeachment process.
Lewinsky's comments reflect her belief that both personal and official decisions during the scandal could have followed a more ethical path. The affair became public through a report filed by independent counsel Ken Starr, which declared that Clinton lied under oath about his relationship with Lewinsky during a grand jury trial.
The investigation initially emerged from a sexual harassment lawsuit against Clinton by Pamela Jones, related to an incident alleged to have occurred in 1991. This background set the stage for Clinton’s impeachment by the House, although he ultimately was acquitted by the Senate in February 1999.
Lewinsky expressed that if Clinton had chosen to handle the situation differently, it could have spared her from undue public scrutiny and harm. She emphasized the importance of ethical leadership, especially when it involves less powerful people.
Following her ordeal, Lewinsky revealed that she has remained true to herself despite the challenges and has received apologies from several individuals involved in the aftermath. In contrast, former President Clinton, reflecting on his actions years later, described his motivations for the affair as "morally indefensible" and stemming from a position of power just because he could.
Clinton's reflection on his reasons for resisting resignation conveyed a belief that the impeachment lacked a basis in impeachable offenses, a stance supported by public opinion at the time. He remarked on his decision to fight the impeachment, motivated by electoral support and the sentiment that the allegations were insubstantial.
Monica Lewinsky noted, “I think that the right way to handle a situation like that would’ve been to probably say it was nobody’s business and to resign. Or to find a way to stay in office that was not lying and not throwing a young person who is just starting in the world under the bus. At the same time, I hear myself say that and it’s like, ‘OK, but we’re also talking about the most powerful office in the world.' I don’t want to be naive either.”
In her podcast interview, Lewinsky offered a glimpse into her thought process and emotions related to the scandal and its broader implications. This included her contemplation of the power dynamic at play and the complexity of expecting ethical conduct in high-stakes political situations.
The entire discussion sheds light not only on past events but also on personal growth and understanding, demonstrating Lewinsky's resilience and capacity for reflection. It underscores the challenges faced by individuals caught in the crossfire of political scandals, as well as the lasting impact on their lives.
In sum, Lewinsky's recent statements and reflections show a journey from a young White House intern embroiled in a major scandal to a reflective individual seeking to address past injustices and move forward with integrity. Her comments remind us of the human cost of political scandals and the importance of accountability at all levels of power.
