Monica Lewinsky Says Clinton Should Have Resigned: A Bold Statement on Accountability

Monica Lewinsky Says Clinton Should Have Resigned: A Bold Statement on Accountability

In a powerful interview that’s reigniting public conversation, Monica Lewinsky stated that former President Bill Clinton should have resigned following their infamous affair. Her remarks, delivered on the Call Her Daddy podcast, have sparked renewed debate around accountability, abuse of power, and how far we’ve come—or haven’t—in addressing the fallout of political scandals.

Revisiting the Scandal Through a 2024 Lens

Lewinsky, now 50, reflected on the events that unfolded when she was a 22-year-old intern at the White House. Clinton was 49 at the time and the most powerful man in the country. According to Lewinsky, the right thing for him to do would have been to either resign or find a path forward that didn’t involve publicly shaming and denying a young woman just starting her career.

In her words, he could have “acknowledged it, said sorry, and stepped aside,” rather than using his influence to deflect responsibility.

Power, Consent, and the Fallout That Followed

Lewinsky’s statement reignites a critical conversation about the power dynamics that shaped this story from the beginning. While Clinton went on to complete his term and remains a respected figure in many circles, Lewinsky endured years of public humiliation, career setbacks, and mental health struggles.

By revisiting the scandal from her current perspective, she’s highlighting the imbalance that left her carrying the weight of a situation created by someone with exponentially more power and influence.

A New Era of Public Discourse

The reaction to her interview has been swift and wide-reaching. Across social media and major news outlets, conversations are bubbling over—this time with more nuance. The public is revisiting what happened, but now through the lens of Me Too, workplace ethics, and trauma-informed perspectives.

Today’s generation, less inclined to idolize unchecked power, is engaging with Lewinsky’s words differently. Many are praising her courage and honesty, while others are calling for more serious reflection on how society treated her—and what it says about who we protect and who we shame.

“Reclaiming” Her Story—Literally

This interview is just one part of Monica Lewinsky’s broader journey toward taking back her narrative. She recently launched a podcast called Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky, where she speaks with guests about shame, resilience, and the power of personal transformation.

Far from being defined by one chapter in her life, she’s using her voice and platform to inspire others to tell their stories and to show what healing—and growing—can actually look like.

Why Accountability Still Matters

Lewinsky’s comments serve as a timely reminder that accountability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a critical component of leadership. When people in power avoid consequences, it sends the wrong message about ethics, responsibility, and justice.

By boldly saying what many may have thought but few ever voiced, Lewinsky is doing more than just revisiting history. She’s asking us to look at who we choose to believe, who we’re willing to forgive, and who we expect more from.