Donald Trump’s relationship with the late Jeffrey Epstein has come under renewed scrutiny following a recent article published by the Wall Street Journal. As reported by the Miami Herald, the birthday card—reportedly penned by Trump—would be for Epstein’s 50th birthday. It features a provocative drawing and shadowy allusions to their subcutaneous bond, which of course “enigma never age.” Despite Trump’s long-standing denials of a close friendship with Epstein, these revelations raise questions about the nature of their relationship.
You can be sure the Wall Street Journal intended that story to appear on the front page. Rupert Murdoch, one of Trump’s most important media allies, ordered the paper to run it. This smart political move comes after bombshell reports that Trump personally pressured the publication’s new top editor, Emma Tucker. He personally pressured Murdoch to kill the story. Trump has recently threatened to sue the Wall Street Journal. He denounced the story’s assertions as a “hoax” and warned it could never go to print.
Trump has consistently distanced himself from Epstein, who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. On these he has been very public and insistent, even repeatedly in public denying that it is his style to produce a sketch. Since then, countless creations signed with his name have spread across the web. These two pieces look to serve as the double shot that will refute his claims.
Given the Wall Street Journal’s recent reporting, Trump’s unhinged denials look more ridiculous and improbable. His attempts to distance himself from any connections to Epstein are now being met with some heavy lifting. The birthday card, containing intimate details and a self-drawn portrait, keys into the gap in his story about their reportedly aloof relationship.
No wonder, then, that JD Vance, the Republican Senate Trumpist, was incensed by the Wall Street Journal’s story. He derided it as “total and absolute bullshit.” His remarks didn’t land and were seen as somewhat disingenuous, considering the overwhelming evidence laid out.
“Forgive my language, but this story is complete and utter bullshit.” – JD Vance
Despite Vance’s protestations, the article has sparked considerable discussion and debate about Trump’s past associations. In a statement to Rolling Stone magazine, an administration official described Trump’s reaction to the article as being “on a fucking warpath,” indicating his frustration over the resurfacing of old allegations.
Murdoch’s tremendous influence extends beyond the Wall Street Journal. His right-leaning tabloid, the New York Post, has served as an incendiary wingman for the Donald throughout his many GOP scandals. Fox News has relentlessly cheered on Trump. Thus it went until it played the instrumental role that it always has during his two presidential campaigns. This relationship highlights the complexities of Trump’s media strategy and his reliance on these platforms to maintain his public image.