Oversight Panel Reveals Trump’s Note in Epstein ‘Birthday Book’

Lead: The U.S. House Oversight Committee on Tuesday unveiled a 2003 “birthday book” compiled by Ghislaine Maxwell for Jeffrey Epstein, including a suggestive note attributed to Donald Trump, sparking renewed scrutiny of Epstein’s elite connections.

Nut Graf: The document dump, subpoenaed from Epstein’s estate, provides fresh insight into the circle surrounding Epstein and Maxwell’s role in curating his inner network. With Maxwell appealing her conviction and a Supreme Court conference set for late September, the release heightens political and legal pressure on those involved.

Key Details

  • Birthday Book Contents: The book contains handwritten messages from friends and associates, framed by sketches, and was compiled by Maxwell to mark Epstein’s 50th birthday in 2003.
  • Trump’s Alleged Note: Democrats published a short exchange typed within an outline of a nude woman, ending with, “Happy Birthday - and may every day be another wonderful secret,” followed by Trump’s signature, which he denies writing.
  • Partisan Reactions: Republican Chairman James Comer accused Democrats of “cherry-picking” documents, while White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated that Trump did not create the drawing or sign the note.
  • Maxwell’s Legal Status: Maxwell, serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking, is awaiting a Supreme Court decision on her appeal, with justices set to meet in late September to consider whether to review her case.

Wider Implications

  1. Political Fallout: The disclosure intensifies calls from both Democrats and some Republican lawmakers for full transparency on Epstein-related records, which they argue could reveal other high-profile figures implicated in his crimes.
  2. Maxwell’s Appeal: Her legal team argues her conviction is invalid due to a 2007 non-prosecution agreement covering Epstein’s associates, forcing the Supreme Court to address a long-standing circuit split on prosecutorial discretion.
  3. Ongoing Investigations: The Oversight Committee continues to pursue suspicious-activity reports and financial records tied to Epstein and Maxwell, aiming to map the full extent of their operations and any government handling of the case.

Subheadings and Bullet Points:

  • What Was Released: Over 200 pages, including letters, photos, and bank records.
  • Why It Matters: Sheds light on Epstein’s network and Maxwell’s role as archivist.
  • Next Steps: Supreme Court conference on Sept. 29; further document subpoenas expected.

The newly released materials underscore the enduring controversy surrounding Epstein’s crimes and Maxwell’s involvement, ensuring both political and judicial arenas remain focused on unraveling the full scope of this high-profile scandal.