Congress releases Epstein’s ‘birthday book,’ including alleged Trump letter

WASHINGTON, Sept 8 – Lawmakers in the United States have released a controversial document tied to Jeffrey Epstein, the late financier and convicted sex offender, sparking renewed political tensions in Washington. Among the records now public is a so-called “birthday book” that Epstein’s lawyers turned over to Congress, containing messages from friends, acquaintances, and well-known figures. The most explosive inclusion is a letter that Democrats say was allegedly written by Donald Trump in 2003, though the White House immediately dismissed the letter as fake.

The “birthday book” was created to mark Epstein’s 50th birthday, several years before the first public accusations of sexual abuse emerged in 2006. It is filled with messages, photographs, and sketches, many of which attempt to celebrate Epstein’s wealth, personal connections, and flamboyant lifestyle. Yet it is one particular note that has drawn sharp political attention: a message attributed to Trump, referring to Epstein as a “pal” and including the phrase, “May every day be another wonderful secret.” The words are placed inside a crude drawing of a naked woman’s silhouette, further fueling controversy.

According to lawmakers, the letter was part of hundreds of pages of documents received from Epstein’s legal team. Along with the book, Congress obtained Epstein’s 2007 non-prosecution agreement in Florida and his will. Democrats on the House Oversight Committee publicized the documents first, pointing to the Trump note as evidence they say deserves further investigation. Shortly after, Republicans on the same panel, who currently hold the majority, released the entire set of materials to avoid accusations of withholding information.

The White House, however, reacted quickly. Taylor Budowich, Deputy Chief of Staff, dismissed the message as fraudulent, stating that the handwriting and signature were not Trump’s. He went further by tying the issue to Trump’s ongoing lawsuit against News Corp (NWSA.O), the parent company of the Wall Street Journal, which had first reported on the letter earlier in the summer. “It’s not his signature. DEFAMATION!” Budowich posted on X, insisting the story is politically motivated.

The resurfacing of Epstein’s name has been an ongoing problem for Trump. Though Epstein died by suicide in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, conspiracy theories and unanswered questions surrounding his connections to prominent individuals continue to attract public attention. Trump has previously dismissed speculation around the case as a partisan “hoax,” accusing Democrats of weaponizing the association to damage his political standing.

Republicans on the Oversight Committee, facing pressure from both Democrats and victims of Epstein, have tried to frame their document release as transparent. Last week they unveiled more than 33,000 pages of material tied to Epstein, arguing that their action should prevent a bipartisan vote compelling further disclosures. Still, critics in Congress say the files only scratch the surface. Democrats, in particular, have questioned what information may remain hidden and used social media to call on Trump directly, writing, “What is he hiding? Release the files!”

The “birthday book” offers an unusual glimpse into Epstein’s life and social circle. Beyond the alleged Trump note, it includes written tributes supposedly from former U.S. President Bill Clinton, Harvard Law professor Alan Dershowitz, and Alan “Ace” Greenberg, the late Bear Stearns CEO. Clinton’s message describes Epstein’s “childlike curiosity” and “drive to make a difference,” while Greenberg’s note reportedly praises Epstein’s career rise and the excitement of working with him. Dershowitz also appears in the collection, though he has consistently denied any wrongdoing connected to Epstein. Clinton, Dershowitz, and representatives tied to them could not be reached for immediate comment. Greenberg passed away in 2014.

Aside from the high-profile names, the book contains photographs and writings that reflect Epstein’s inner circle and personal interests. There are pictures of Epstein himself in swimwear, playful references to his younger years, and jokes from friends and associates. For Epstein’s admirers, it was meant to be a commemorative collection. For investigators and lawmakers, however, it has become another piece of the puzzle in understanding how Epstein cultivated influence among the powerful.

The controversy also highlights the enduring shadow Epstein casts over American politics. More than six years after his death, his connections to business leaders, politicians, and academics continue to surface in waves of documents and testimonies. For his victims, each release is a reminder of unanswered questions about how Epstein operated for so long with limited accountability. For lawmakers, it is both a duty to examine those connections and a political weapon in ongoing rivalries.