Democrats on the House Oversight Committee unveiled a provocative letter on Monday, purportedly signed by President Donald Trump, addressed to Jeffrey Epstein as part of a 2003 birthday album for the disgraced financier. The letter, which Trump vehemently denies authoring, has reignited scrutiny over his past association with Epstein, a once-close friend turned convicted sex offender. The release, accompanied by a hand-drawn sketch of a curvaceous woman, has fueled controversy and intensified bipartisan calls for transparency in the Epstein case.
The letter, part of a larger “birthday book” compiled for Epstein’s 50th birthday, includes suggestive text: “A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret.” The document, bearing what appears to be Trump’s signature, was released alongside other letters containing sexually provocative language and names of prominent figures like former President Bill Clinton and attorney Alan Dershowitz in a “friends” section. The full House committee made the album public Monday night, escalating political tensions.
Trump has dismissed the letter as a fabrication, calling it “false, malicious, and defamatory” in response to earlier reporting by The Wall Street Journal, against which he filed a $10 billion lawsuit. “These are not my words, not the way I talk. Also, I don’t draw pictures,” Trump stated. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed this, asserting on X, “It’s very clear President Trump did not draw this picture, and he did not sign it.” Deputy chief of staff Taylor Budowich also posted examples of Trump’s signatures, claiming the letter’s signature is inauthentic.
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House Republicans, including Rep. Byron Donalds, backed Trump’s denial, with Donalds insisting, “It’s not his signature. I’ve seen Donald Trump sign a million things.” Rep. Thomas Massie, who is pushing for the release of Epstein-related Justice Department files, downplayed the letter’s significance, stating it does little to aid Epstein’s victims.
The letter’s release coincides with growing pressure to disclose more about Epstein, who was accused of sexually abusing underage girls, and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, convicted of facilitating his crimes. The House Oversight Committee, which subpoenaed Epstein’s estate last month for documents including his will, contact books, and financial records, received the birthday album as part of this effort. The Justice Department has also begun sharing Epstein investigation records with the committee since August.
Trump has acknowledged a past friendship with Epstein, which he claims ended two decades ago after a dispute involving Epstein allegedly “stealing” young women, including accuser Virginia Giuffre, from Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort. During his campaign, Trump suggested he would push for the release of Epstein files, though much of the government’s released material was already public.
The letter’s disclosure, first reported by The Wall Street Journal, has amplified conspiracy theories and public fascination with Epstein’s case, which remains a political flashpoint. With Vice President JD Vance among those advocating for full disclosure of the Epstein files, the controversy underscores the ongoing battle over transparency and accountability in one of America’s most notorious criminal cases. As Trump’s legal team vows to pursue aggressive litigation, the debate over the letter’s authenticity and its implications continues to roil Washington.
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