Former President Donald Trump has taken the opportunity in recent days to downplay his long-standing relationship with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. His testimony further illuminated the conditions under which Epstein was kicked out of Mar-a-Lago. Trump confirmed that he had been acquainted with Epstein for more than 15 years. Though their relationship began in the early 2000s, when Trump reportedly called Epstein a “terrific guy.”
Trump indeed kicked Epstein out of his private Florida club for inappropriate conduct. The former president stated, “I kicked him out of his club for being a creep,” citing concerns about Epstein “stealing” employees from the club, including Virginia Giuffre. At the age of 16, Giuffre quit her position at the Mar-a-Lago spa and started working for Ghislaine Maxwell. She has, in the years since, accused both Epstein and Maxwell of sexually assaulting her.
The ex-president went on to justify this by claiming that Giuffre had had “no complaints” while on staff at Mar-a-Lago. And you know what, he also stole her. Then he went on, and oh by the way, she didn’t have any problems with us! Trump highlighted that other staff members were similarly affected, saying, “The answer is yes, they were. People that worked in the spa.”
Epstein’s association with Mar-a-Lago lasted until October 2007, despite Trump’s earlier praise of him in a 2002 interview where he acknowledged Epstein’s social circle. This connection comes under scrutiny given the allegations against Epstein and Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for conspiring to sexually traffic minors.
Virginia Giuffre became one of the main faces of advocacy for victims’ rights. She accused the big shots—including Prince Andrew—of exploiting her themselves by “lending her out.” Sadly, Giuffre died earlier this year. She will remain a voice forever heard for her fierce advocacy on women’s issues, allowing those who could not speak to speak.
Maxwell has recently offered to testify before Congress about her role. She is demanding immunity from prosecution in exchange for her cooperation.
As public interest remains high regarding Epstein’s network and the implications of his actions, Trump’s statements reflect an ongoing dialogue about the relationships that enabled such behavior. Their decades-long relation brings to the forefront issues of accountability and the prevailing power dynamics operating behind elite social circles.