Trump Denies Epstein Note, Plans Lawsuit Against Wall Street Journal

A personal note from 2003, allegedly written by Donald Trump to Jeffrey Epstein, was reported by the Wall Street Journal. The current U.S. President has denied the authenticity of the letter.

The Journal's report indicated the letter was part of a collection in a leather-bound album. This album was created to commemorate Epstein's 50th birthday, predating the emergence of sex-abuse allegations against the financier. Reuters was unable to independently verify the letter's authenticity.

Trump responded to the story on his Truth Social platform, announcing his intention to sue the newspaper and Rupert Murdoch, who controls News Corp, the publisher. He stated he had personally warned the Journal and Murdoch about the letter's alleged falsity.

The Wall Street Journal and its parent company, Dow Jones & Co, declined to comment on the story or Trump's legal threat. Representatives for News Corp and Murdoch were unavailable for immediate comment. The White House also did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The White House has faced scrutiny regarding Epstein, a convicted sex offender. This follows the Justice Department's recent conclusion that there was no evidence to support various conspiracy theories surrounding Epstein's clients and his death in prison in 2019.

Some of Trump's supporters have called for more information about Epstein to be released, leading to a division within his support base. Trump has dismissed these calls. He stated that the situation was "a big hoax." However, Trump and Bondi announced they would seek court permission to release grand jury testimony from the Epstein case.

The Journal described the letter as containing typed text framed by a hand-drawn outline of a naked woman. The letter concluded with a birthday message and the signature "Donald."

Vice President JD Vance criticized the Journal for publishing the story.

Epstein's alleged sexual abuse of girls became public in 2006, after the birthday album was compiled. He was arrested that year and later died in jail in 2019 after being arrested a second time on sex-trafficking charges.