A U.S. congressional committee investigating Jeffrey Epstein’s sex crimes has released a controversial 2003 birthday note allegedly written by President Donald Trump to the late financier, despite repeated denials from Trump and his legal team.
The typewritten note, inserted into the sketch of a nude woman, was among letters compiled by Epstein’s associate Ghislaine Maxwell into a book for his 50th birthday. The Wall Street Journal first reported on the book’s existence in July, prompting Trump, 79, to file a $10 billion defamation lawsuit.
In the letter, “Donald” and “Jeffrey” exchange cryptic remarks about shared “enigmas,” with Trump’s signature positioned on the drawing in a lewd manner. Another entry in the book references Trump in connection with a $22,500 check signed “DJ Trump,” though handwriting experts say the signature differs from Trump’s usual style.
The House Oversight Committee obtained the book and other Epstein estate documents under subpoena, including bank records. Democrats on the panel released Trump’s alleged note ahead of the full publication, sparking accusations from Republican Chairman James Comer of “politicizing evidence.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the material, insisting, “President Donald Trump did not draw this picture and he did not sign it,” while vowing aggressive legal action.
The controversy comes as the committee intensifies scrutiny of Epstein’s powerful connections. Epstein died in his New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Maxwell, now serving a 20-year sentence, told investigators Trump was “never inappropriate with anybody” despite his long association with Epstein.
The case has continued to fuel political tensions, with Democrats demanding the release of all legal files related to Epstein, while Trump and his allies insist the revelations are part of what they call the “Democrat Epstein hoax.”
