Trump Denies Epstein Birthday Letter as Backlash Grows Over Withheld Files

A new twist in the Trump-Epstein controversy

Former President Donald Trump is once again in the spotlight over his past ties to Jeffrey Epstein. This time, a newly surfaced letter — allegedly bearing Trump’s name and included in a 2003 birthday album for Epstein — has reignited public scrutiny. Trump says the letter is fake and has promised to sue The Wall Street Journal for reporting on it.

The letter reportedly features sexually suggestive artwork and ends with a cryptic birthday message: “Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret.” Trump denies writing it, saying, “These are not my words, not the way I talk. Also, I don’t draw pictures.”

What’s in the letter?

The Wall Street Journal says the letter was part of a birthday gift put together by Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s close associate who was later convicted for helping him abuse underage girls. The letter reportedly includes Trump’s name and appears to be surrounded by a drawing of a nude woman. However, the outlet didn’t publish a full image of the letter, raising questions about its authenticity.

Vice President JD Vance came to Trump’s defense, calling the Journal’s decision to run the story “shameful.” He added, “Does anyone honestly believe this sounds like Donald Trump?”

Fallout over missing Epstein files

The letter isn’t the only thing raising eyebrows. For weeks, Trump and his administration have been under pressure to release long-promised documents related to the Epstein case. His attorney general, Pam Bondi, previously handed out binders labeled “Epstein Files: Phase 1,” claiming the administration would be the most transparent ever.

But that promise has fallen flat. Bondi recently walked back her earlier commitment and said no more evidence would be made public. This upset many Trump supporters, especially those who believe Epstein’s files could expose powerful people.

In response to mounting criticism — including from within his own party — Trump reversed course and directed Bondi to seek a judge’s permission to release some grand jury materials. Whether that happens is still up in the air.

Trump clashes with his own base

The controversy has also led to tensions inside the White House. Trump lashed out at supporters who demanded more transparency, calling them “weaklings.” He even suggested — without evidence — that Democrats had doctored Epstein-related files to make him look bad.

Trump also deflected attention by blaming political rivals like Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and former FBI Director James Comey for fueling the Epstein narrative. Again, he offered no proof.

Past ties and ongoing scrutiny

Trump’s past relationship with Epstein is no secret. The two were seen together at parties in the 1990s, including one at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate. NBC once aired footage of them chatting while surrounded by young women, reportedly cheerleaders for the Buffalo Bills.

Despite their social connection, Trump has said they had a falling-out years ago and denied speaking with Epstein since. “I knew him like everybody in Palm Beach knew him,” Trump once said.

Though Trump hasn’t been accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein’s crimes, public interest in their history remains strong. Previously released court documents include a deposition from a woman who said she saw Epstein at Trump’s Atlantic City casino but did not accuse Trump of anything improper.

What’s next?

It’s still unclear whether the controversial letter will ever be authenticated or fully released. Meanwhile, the pressure on Trump to make the Epstein files public isn’t going away.

With court decisions pending and public trust on the line, this story isn’t over — and Trump’s efforts to shift the narrative may face more challenges ahead.