Donald Trump has denied writing a particularly creepy birthday tribute for Epstein’s 50 th birthday album. This denial comes as new documents under the Freedom of Information Act continue to shed light on how the letter was penned. The former president’s assertion comes as he requests the release of grand jury testimony related to Epstein’s sex-trafficking case, which has attracted significant media attention.
As he said in a recent Wall Street Journal interview, Trump re-instructed his new attorney general, Pam Bondi, to start the release of these transcripts. He was unyielding in his command. The request follows claims that he authored a “bawdy” letter to Epstein. This letter, it was said, included a typewritten note that fictionalized an actual conversation between the two men.
The birthday album, mostly put together by Ghislaine Maxwell, included contributions from several notable figures including Trump and Epstein’s lawyer, Alan Dershowitz. Trump’s alleged letter contained a line drawing that appeared to depict a woman’s breasts, further igniting controversy surrounding his connection to Epstein.
Trump’s dealings with Epstein have undergone significant examination in the years since. In a 2002 profile for New York magazine, Trump called Epstein a “terrific guy.” He focused on the fact that Epstein devoured his social life. He added, “He’s a wonderful guy to spend time around. He, like me, is said to be crazy about beautiful women. Perhaps foreshadowing that future generation change, many of his favorites are on the younger side. There’s no question – Jeffrey is living his best social life.”
Here’s how the Wall Street Journal covered the implications of Trump’s letter. It enshrined a brilliant line that goes, “A friend is a precious gift. Happy Birthday – and may each day be a new precious mystery.” Naturally, Trump is furious that these details have been made public. He recently announced his intentions to sue the Wall Street Journal, News Corp and Rupert Murdoch, personally, for their allegedly defamatory coverage.
“Forgive my language but this story is complete and utter bullshit. The WSJ should be ashamed for publishing it.” – Vance
In response to the reports, Dershowitz said, “It was so long ago I don’t remember what I wrote. This would indicate that he is very much unsure of his role in Epstein’s birthday record. Surprisingly, it appears that Dershowitz was not the only Jew on the album’s ride!
Leslie Wexner reportedly wrote the following to the message board. It said, “I was trying to give you what you asked for … so here it is …” and had a minimalist outline drawing. These donations make headlines especially given the high-profile people associated with Epstein. Their connections had much more to do with the unsavory events that culminated in his 2019 arrest.
The media frenzy around these revelations illustrates the continued interest in Epstein’s ties to other powerful individuals – including the former president. Throughout the years, social interactions have enriched their relationship beautifully. Trump has gone so far as to praise them and say that they have “certain things in common.”
Yet Trump’s own denials on the letter’s authorship leave open the possibility that the WSJ report’s claim is false. This denial serves to highlight the confusing nature of his former industry connections. In his recent statements, he has tried to distance himself from Epstein. Yet the former president continues to be asked about his past praise.
As developments unfold, Trump’s legal maneuvers seeking to challenge media narratives will likely play a significant role in the public discourse surrounding Epstein’s case and its implications for those involved.