President Donald Trump announced his intention to request a court to authorize the release of more documents pertaining to the late Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender.
“Given the extensive publicity surrounding Jeffrey Epstein, I have instructed Attorney General Pam Bondi to provide all relevant Grand Jury testimony, pending Court approval,” he stated on Truth Social.
Trump also declared his plan to sue the Wall Street Journal, its parent company News Corp, and its owner Rupert Murdoch over a report that alleged he sent a “bawdy” birthday letter to Epstein in 2003.
The letter, supposedly bearing Trump’s name, “features several lines of typewritten text surrounded by the outline of a naked woman, apparently hand-drawn with a thick marker.” The report elaborated that “small arcs represent the woman’s breasts, and the signature ‘Donald’ is scrawled below her waist, mimicking pubic hair.” The letter allegedly concluded with: “Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret.”
Trump has denied writing the letter, telling the Journal, “I have never drawn a picture in my life. I don’t draw pictures of women. It’s not my language. It’s not my words.”
Following the Journal‘s publication, Trump posted on Truth Social, stating, “The Wall Street Journal, and Rupert Murdoch, personally, were directly warned by President Donald J. Trump that the alleged letter they printed from President Trump to Epstein was a FAKE and, if they print it, they will be sued. Mr. Murdoch said he would handle it but, clearly, lacked the power to do so. The Editor of The Wall Street Journal, Emma Tucker, was directly informed by Karoline Leavitt, and by President Trump, that the letter was a FAKE, but Emma Tucker was not receptive. Instead, they are proceeding with a false, malicious, and defamatory story anyway.”
The Journal‘s report surfaced amidst increased interest in the Epstein case. Republican legislators and MAGA supporters have demanded the release of the so-called Epstein files, after the Justice Department and the FBI confirmed last week that Epstein died by suicide, there was no “client list,” and no further documents would be disclosed.
Epstein, who associated with numerous prominent individuals, was charged with sex trafficking in 2019. He was found dead in a New York correctional facility while awaiting trial, with a medical examiner ruling his death a suicide.
However, his death has fueled conspiracy theories, which some have exploited for political advantage while campaigning.
Trump has criticized supporters regarding the Epstein situation. “Their new SCAM is what we will forever call the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax, and my PAST supporters have bought into this ‘bullshit,’ hook, line, and sinker,” Trump posted on Truth Social on Wednesday.
On Thursday, the White House framed Trump’s earlier criticisms as directed at Democrats. The White House also sought to distance him from the Epstein scandal and dismissed calls for a special prosecutor to further investigate the Epstein case.
Shortly after Trump’s directive on Thursday, Attorney General Bondi posted on X: “We are ready to move the court tomorrow to unseal the grand jury transcripts.”
Members of the MAGA community have expressed skepticism about the letter to Epstein. “Forgive my language but this story is complete and utter bullsh-t,” Vice President J.D. Vance posted on X. “Does anyone honestly believe this sounds like Donald Trump?”
Elon Musk, a former ally of Trump who has since become a critic, also questioned the Journal‘s report, as have figures on the alt-right including , , , and .
Conversely, Democrats and Trump’s critics have seized upon the Journal report. “Trump’s letter to Epstein isn’t surprising. Trump is a creep,” Sen. Cory Booker (D, N.J.) posted on X. Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D, N.Y.) stated, “We need transparency now. Release the files.”
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