WASHINGTON, Sept. 8 — U.S. House Democrats on Monday made public a controversial letter allegedly written by President Donald Trump to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in 2003, contained within what has been dubbed Epstein’s “birthday book.” The book, a 50th birthday gift filled with notes, photos, and personal messages from Epstein’s acquaintances, was handed over to Congress by Epstein’s lawyers. While the letter appears to bear Trump’s signature, both the president and the White House have firmly denied its authenticity, dismissing it as a fabrication.
The letter, previously reported by the Wall Street Journal in July, includes a sketch of a nude female silhouette and words attributed to Trump calling Epstein a “pal” and wishing him “wonderful secrets every day.” White House Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich denounced the disclosure, calling it “defamation” and insisting the signature was forged. Trump, who has repeatedly described the matter as a Democrat-led “hoax,” has even filed a lawsuit against News Corp, the Journal’s parent company, over its reporting on the alleged letter.
Republicans, who control the House Oversight Committee, countered the Democratic release by publishing hundreds of pages of additional material provided by Epstein’s lawyers. These included the full “birthday book,” Epstein’s will, and his 2007 non-prosecution agreement with Florida prosecutors. The move came after Democrats pressed for broader disclosures, insisting that the files could reveal damaging information about Trump and others tied to Epstein.
The “birthday book” reportedly contains contributions from other high-profile figures, including former President Bill Clinton, Harvard law professor Alan Dershowitz, and former Bear Stearns CEO Alan “Ace” Greenberg. Clinton’s alleged message praised Epstein’s “childlike curiosity” and ambition, while Greenberg described their professional relationship as a source of “vicarious thrills.” Neither Clinton nor Dershowitz could be immediately reached for comment, and Greenberg passed away in 2014.
Epstein’s shadow continues to loom large in U.S. politics, years after his 2019 prison suicide. His victims, alongside some members of Congress, remain unsatisfied with partial disclosures, demanding full transparency. Democrats have sharpened their criticism of Trump, asking pointedly, “What is he hiding? Release the files!” For now, the debate underscores how Epstein’s legacy remains a political flashpoint, ensnaring prominent figures even long after his death.
