WASHINGTON DC — A lewd birthday letter that Donald Trump allegedly sent to Jeffrey Epstein in 2003 was published on Monday by a congressional panel investigating the late financier’s sex crimes case, contradicting the U.S. president’s previous claims that no such correspondence existed.
The letter, a typewritten message inserted into the sketched outline of a nude woman, was among many notes from Epstein’s associates that Ghislaine Maxwell compiled into a book for the financier’s 50th birthday. Maxwell, now serving a 20 year prison sentence, had assembled the collection while working as Epstein’s associate.
The US House Oversight Committee subpoenaed the birthday book along with other documents from Epstein’s estate, including bank records, as part of its probe launched this summer into the handling of the late sex offender’s case.
Trump’s alleged note consists of a brief dialogue between “Donald” and “Jeffrey,” featuring cryptic exchanges about shared commonalities and “wonderful secrets.” The message concludes with Trump’s signature, which appears in place of pubic hair on the nude outline.
“A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthday – and may every day be another wonderful secret,” the note reads before ending with the alleged signature.
White House denies authenticity
The White House has reiterated its denial of the letter’s authenticity. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “It’s very clear President Donald Trump did not draw this picture and he did not sign it. President Trump’s legal team will continue to aggressively pursue litigation.”
The existence of the letter was first reported by The Wall Street Journal in July, prompting Trump to file a $10 billion defamation lawsuit.
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Democrats on the panel published the Trump letter before releasing the entire birthday book, drawing criticism from Republican Chairman James Comer, who accused them of “cherry-picking documents and politicizing information.”
The book contains additional references to Trump, including a photo of Epstein holding an oversized $22 500 check with “DJ Trump” written on it, though the signature appears different from Trump’s typical handwriting.
Broader investigation scope
The committee’s investigation extends beyond Trump’s alleged correspondence. Former President Bill Clinton and British Ambassador Peter Mandelson also allegedly contributed messages to Epstein’s birthday book, praising the financier in various terms.
Epstein, a wealthy financier with extensive high-level connections, was found dead in his New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial for alleged sex trafficking of underage girls. Federal authorities concluded he committed suicide.
Trump’s supporters have long viewed the Epstein case through the lens of conspiracy theories, believing “deep state” elites were protecting a network of associates. However, the FBI and Justice Department stated in July that Epstein did not blackmail prominent figures and did not maintain a “client list.”
Justice department response
As part of its response to the ongoing controversy, Trump’s Justice Department interviewed Maxwell, who told investigators that while Trump was friendly with Epstein, he was “never inappropriate with anybody.” The interview was conducted by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, Trump’s former personal lawyer.
Following the interview, Maxwell was transferred from a Florida prison to a minimum-security facility in Texas.
The Republican-controlled Oversight Committee continues to demand the release of all legal files related to Epstein and has subpoenaed testimony from numerous high-ranking officials as the investigation proceeds.
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