Democrats Release Letter Linking Trump to Epstein, President Denies Authorship

Democrats on the House Oversight Committee on Monday released a sexually suggestive letter allegedly signed by President Donald Trump and included in a 2003 birthday album for disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. Trump has firmly denied any involvement, calling the letter a fabrication.

The document, part of an album compiled for Epstein’s 50th birthday, surfaced as part of materials subpoenaed from Epstein’s estate. The book contained names of other prominent figures, including former President Bill Clinton and attorney Alan Dershowitz, listed under a “friends” section, as well as other letters featuring provocative language.

The letter in question features text framed by a hand-drawn outline of a curvaceous woman and reads: “A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret.” It bore what appeared to be Trump’s name and signature.

Trump swiftly rejected the claim. “These are not my words, not the way I talk. Also, I don’t draw pictures,” he said in a statement. The White House echoed that stance, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt declaring, “President Trump did not draw this picture, and he did not sign it.” Trump has also filed a $10 billion lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal over earlier reporting on his alleged link to the letter.

White House deputy chief of staff Taylor Budowich posted images of Trump’s signatures over the years, arguing the letter does not match. Republican lawmakers backed the president. “It’s not his signature. I’ve seen Donald Trump sign a million things,” said Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida.

Some lawmakers dismissed the letter as a distraction from the broader push to release Epstein-related records. “It doesn’t prove anything. Having a birthday card from Trump doesn’t help the survivors and the victims,” said Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, who is spearheading a bipartisan effort to force the Justice Department to release Epstein’s files.

The controversy comes as Congress increases pressure on federal agencies to disclose more details about Epstein and his former associate, Ghislaine Maxwell. Epstein, who died in jail in 2019, had been accused of paying underage girls for sex acts, while Maxwell was convicted in 2021 for recruiting victims.

Trump’s past ties to Epstein have long been scrutinized. The president has said he cut off contact with Epstein two decades ago after a falling-out, claiming Epstein “stole” young women working at Mar-a-Lago, including Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s most prominent accusers.

The Justice Department began handing over records from the Epstein investigation to the House Oversight Committee in August. Lawmakers are seeking additional materials, including Epstein’s will, financial records, and agreements with prosecutors.

While the letter’s authenticity remains disputed, its release highlights ongoing bipartisan calls for full transparency in the Epstein case, which continues to fuel speculation and conspiracy theories years after his death.