On Monday, a congressional panel investigating Jeffrey Epstein’s sex crime case released a controversial birthday letter allegedly sent by Donald Trump to Epstein in 2003, despite the US president’s claims that it never existed.
This typewritten note, fitting into the silhouette of a nude woman, was part of a collection of letters from Epstein’s friends, compiled by his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, who is now serving a prison sentence, for his 50th birthday.
The Wall Street Journal first reported on the book and letter in July, leading to a $10 billion defamation lawsuit filed by Trump, now 79.
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The US House Oversight Committee has subpoenaed the book and other documents, such as bank records, from Epstein’s estate as part of its investigation into the handling of his case launched this summer.
The alleged letter from Trump includes a brief exchange between “Donald” and “Jeffrey.”
“We have certain things in common,” Donald says, with Jeffrey replying, “Yes, we do, come to think of it.”
“Enigmas never age, have you noticed that?” Donald inquires.
“Indeed, it was evident the last time I saw you,” Jeffrey responds.
“A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthday — and may each day be another wonderful secret,” the note concludes, with Trump’s signature replacing the pubic hair on the nude outline.
Another letter in the collection references Trump, accompanied by a photo of Epstein holding a $22,500 check. The signature on the check reads “DJ Trump” but differs from Trump’s usual handwriting.
“Jeffrey showing early talents with money + women! Sells ‘fully depreciated’ [redacted name] to Donald Trump,” the note states.
The Wall Street Journal reported that businessman Joel Pashcow’s letter involved a woman pursued by both Trump and Epstein in the 1990s.
Democrats on the panel shared the Trump letter copy before the entire book’s release, leading to accusations from Republican chairman James Comer of “cherry-picking documents and politicizing information.”
The White House reaffirmed its denial of the letter’s authenticity, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt asserting, “It’s very clear President Donald Trump did not draw this picture and did not sign it.”
“President Trump’s legal team will continue to pursue litigation aggressively,” she added.
Epstein, a wealthy financier with global high-level connections, was found dead in his New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial for alleged sex trafficking of underage girls.
Trump’s supporters have long been fixated on the Epstein case, believing that “deep state” elites shielded a sex ring of Epstein associates, especially within the Democratic Party and Hollywood.
Committee investigation
Upon taking office in January, Trump pledged to uncover the truth behind the Epstein conspiracies quickly.
However, many of his supporters were outraged after the FBI and Justice Department announced in July that Epstein committed suicide, did not blackmail prominent figures, and kept no “client list.”
Trump has repeatedly attempted to dismiss the controversy, labeling it the “Democrat Epstein hoax,” as scrutiny grows over his long-standing friendship with the financier.
Both Democrats and a few Republicans have intensified their efforts, demanding the release of all legal files related to Epstein.
The Republican-led Oversight Committee has subpoenaed Justice Department documents and testimony from numerous high-ranking officials, including former president Bill Clinton, whose own letter appears in Epstein’s birthday book.
In addressing the controversy, Trump’s Justice Department interviewed Epstein’s associate Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year sentence for recruiting underage girls for Epstein.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, Trump’s former personal lawyer, conducted the interview.
The Justice Department later released a transcript and audio recording of the interview, in which Maxwell stated that Trump was friendly with Epstein but “was never inappropriate with anybody.”
The 63-year-old Maxwell, the only Epstein associate convicted in connection with his activities, was transferred from a Florida prison to a minimum-security facility in Texas following her interview with Blanche.
