Jeffrey Epstein is seen in custody in West Palm Beach, Florida, on July 30, 2008. CTV
Democrats on the House Oversight Committee released a letter to Jeffrey Epstein on Monday. The letter, included in Epstein’s 50th birthday album in 2003, appears signed by U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump has denied writing it or creating the drawing of a woman that frames the note.
Content of the Album
The album listed several names under a “friends” section, including former president Bill Clinton and lawyer Alan Dershowitz. It also contained other letters written in sexually suggestive language. The newly public letter reads, “A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthday - and may every day be another wonderful secret.”
Trump’s Legal Response
Trump has strongly denied any link to the letter. He filed a US$10 billion lawsuit against a media outlet that reported on the note. His legal team insists the handwriting and artwork are not his. “President Trump’s legal team will continue to aggressively pursue litigation,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.
Deputy chief of staff Taylor Budowich posted comparisons of Trump’s signature online, saying, “It’s not his signature.” Several Republican lawmakers echoed the same, insisting the handwriting doesn’t match.
Reactions in Congress
Representative Byron Donalds of Florida dismissed the letter as fake, saying he has seen Trump’s signature many times. Representative Thomas Massie, leading a push for disclosure of Epstein’s files, argued the letter was irrelevant. “It doesn’t prove anything. Having a birthday card from Trump doesn’t help the survivors and the victims,” Massie said.
Pressure for More Disclosure
The letter’s release comes as pressure builds on the president to disclose more Epstein-related records. The case of Epstein and his former partner Ghislaine Maxwell continues to draw attention. Epstein faced accusations of paying underage girls for sex. Maxwell was convicted of luring victims for abuse.
Trump’s past friendship with Epstein also remains under scrutiny. The president has claimed he cut ties with Epstein decades ago after accusing him of “stealing” young women who worked at his Mar-a-Lago resort.
Ongoing Investigations and Document Requests
The Justice Department has started turning over Epstein investigation records to the House Oversight Committee. Lawmakers have subpoenaed Epstein’s estate for key documents, including his will, financial records, and agreements with prosecutors. The birthday album forms part of these submissions.
The push for full disclosure has come from both parties. Some Republicans, including Vice President JD Vance before his swearing-in, demanded public release of the so-called Epstein files. These files have long been the subject of speculation and conspiracy theories.
Trump’s Direct Denial
Trump continues to insist he had nothing to do with the letter. “These are not my words, not the way I talk. Also, I don’t draw pictures,” he said. Despite his denial, the document matches earlier descriptions reported in the press.
