Former President Denies Raunchy Birthday Note, Calls WSJ Story “False and Malicious”
Former US President Donald Trump has threatened to sue The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) after it published a report about an alleged explicit letter he supposedly wrote to late financier Jeffrey Epstein in 2003. Trump called the report “fake” and accused the media of spreading defamatory stories.
What Triggered the Lawsuit Threat?
- The WSJ claimed it had reviewed a typewritten letter addressed to Epstein for his 50th birthday.
- The letter allegedly featured a naked woman’s outline, with Trump’s squiggly signature “Donald” placed below the waistline, mimicking pubic hair.
- The note reportedly concluded with the line:
“Happy Birthday – and may every day be another wonderful secret.”
The letter was reportedly part of a leather-bound collection of raunchy notes compiled by Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s longtime associate, for his birthday.
Trump’s Strong Denial
Trump immediately denied writing the letter or drawing the illustration. Speaking to WSJ, he said:
- “This is not me. This is a fake thing. I don’t draw pictures of women. It’s not my language. It’s not my words.”
He further lashed out on his Truth Social platform, writing:
- “The Editor of The Wall Street Journal was told directly by [Press Secretary] Karoline Leavitt and by President Trump that the letter was a FAKE.”
- “Instead, they are going with a false, malicious, and defamatory story anyway.”
Trump added that he would sue WSJ, NewsCorp, and Rupert Murdoch for defamation, saying:
- “The Press has to learn to be truthful, and not rely on sources that probably don’t even exist.”
Epstein Connection and Political Fallout
The controversy comes as Trump continues to face scrutiny over his past ties to Epstein, who died by suicide in a Manhattan jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
Key points about the Epstein case:
- Epstein allegedly groomed young and underage women for abuse by wealthy and powerful figures.
- Trump supporters had long believed in a “secret client list” of Epstein’s associates.
- The Justice Department and FBI recently confirmed there was no evidence of blackmail or murder in Epstein’s death.
The issue has reignited conspiracy theories among Trump supporters, many of whom expected answers when Trump returned to office in January.
Other Developments in the Epstein Saga
- This week, Maurene Comey, a federal prosecutor who handled Epstein’s case and is the daughter of former FBI Director James Comey, was abruptly fired.
- Comey also prosecuted Ghislaine Maxwell, the only Epstein associate criminally convicted for her role in the scandal.
- Maxwell was reportedly the one who compiled Epstein’s 2003 birthday book of letters – the same collection WSJ claims included Trump’s alleged note.
Political Reactions
- JD Vance, Trump’s Vice President, criticized WSJ, writing on X:
“The WSJ should be ashamed for publishing it. Where is this letter? Would you be shocked to learn they never showed it to us before publishing it?” - Democratic Congressman Pat Ryan fired back, posting:
“I think we now know EXACTLY why Donald Trump refuses to release the Epstein files.”
What’s Next?
- Trump has vowed imminent legal action against WSJ, NewsCorp, and Rupert Murdoch.
- WSJ has stood by its reporting, claiming it personally reviewed the letter.
- The controversy is expected to fuel the ongoing political storm surrounding Trump’s past associations with Epstein.
