In an explosive development, reports say Donald Trump’s name appears in a leather-bound book compiled for Jeffrey Epstein’s 50th birthday in 2003—alongside a purportedly lewd handwritten note and sketch. The Wall Street Journal revealed that the birthday album, curated by Ghislaine Maxwell and featuring messages from prominent figures, allegedly included a letter signed by Trump with suggestive content. Reuters reported this controversial inclusion.
According to WSJ reporting, the note reportedly featured an imagined dialogue—“We have certain things in common, Jeffrey”—accompanied by a drawing of a naked woman and the line “may every day be another wonderful secret.” In response, Trump has vehemently denied the claim, calling it a “fake thing” and issuing a defamation threat. Politico outlined his denial and lawsuit plans.
While Trump insists the letter is entirely fabricated, sources including FBI Director Kash Patel reportedly confirmed his name did appear multiple times in the so-called “Epstein files,” according to People magazine’s report on DOJ disclosures.
Amid mounting pressure, Trump directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to seek the release of grand jury transcripts related to Epstein’s trafficking case, signaling an effort to counter the controversy with transparency. That action was described in detail by The Guardian’s coverage of his directive, while critics question whether it’s enough to quell growing skepticism.
Observers highlight that despite appearing in logs and the birthday album, Trump has not been accused of criminal wrongdoing. His public relationship with Epstein—spanning the late 1980s into the early 2000s—has been well documented through social footage, flight logs, and shared events. The Times detailed their years-long connection.
Elon Musk stoked further controversy when he posted on X that Trump remains “in the Epstein files,” suggesting this might explain the DOJ’s reluctance to release them. The post was later deleted, but it reignited debate over transparency and suppression. Note: Musk’s claim intersects with broader concerns about political censorship—some reported it via comments on public forums.
The birthday book also reportedly contains contributions from other high-profile figures, including Bill Clinton, financier Leon Black, and designer Vera Wang—some of which were similarly described as provocative or satirical. The New York Times and WSJ provided background on the full list of contributors, raising questions about the nature of Epstein’s relationship with elites.
“Despite Trump’s denial, evidence suggests the birthday book is real and includes multiple high-profile names,” investigative reporters observed.
Trump’s response has included filing a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal and its owner Rupert Murdoch, claiming irreparable damage and demanding retraction. This legal escalation was covered comprehensively by Vox’s deep dive into the lawsuit.
Meanwhile, the DOJ insists there is no “client list” implicating any high-profile individuals in Epstein’s crimes—stating that past investigation found no credible evidence of such a list. That position has been reaffirmed in an official memo amidst persistent lobbying for document release. Legal analyses of the “Epstein files” debate reference this finding.
The controversy has sparked bipartisan tension in Congress, with lawmakers like Ro Khanna calling for a subpoena of Epstein’s estate and relevant documents. NY Mag profiled the push to obtain the full birthday book and its contents.
Despite the swirling allegations and mounting pressure, no charges have been brought against Trump related to Epstein’s activities. Yet the appearance of his name in the album, combined with unverified logs, continues to fuel public speculation and distrust. The Guardian’s live coverage places this scandal alongside other controversies unfolding in Trump’s second term.
