Leavitt Defends Trump Amid Epstein Controversy and Addresses Qatar Strike

Lead: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt used an X post and a briefing today to reject claims that President Trump signed an Epstein “birthday book” letter and to confirm he notified Qatar before Israel’s strike on Hamas officials there on September 9, 2025.

Nut Graf: Leavitt’s interventions underline the administration’s effort to control two unfolding controversies-legal challenges over a disputed Trump-Epstein document and diplomatic tensions following Israel’s unilateral action in Doha-highlighting the White House’s messaging priorities.

Legal Dispute Over Epstein “Birthday Book”

  • Leavitt announced on X that a Wall Street Journal report “proves” the alleged Trump signature on a 2003 Epstein birthday book is false, branding the story “FAKE NEWS to perpetuate the Democrat Epstein Hoax!” and pledging continued litigation by Trump’s legal team.
  • Netizens reacted skeptically, pointing to published images matching previous accounts and accusing Leavitt of aggressive obfuscation. Oversight Committee Republicans also criticized Democrats for politicizing the release, arguing the president faces no direct allegations of wrongdoing.

Press Briefing on Israel’s Strike in Qatar

  • In the White House briefing room, Leavitt stated President Trump “notified Qatar ahead of the Israeli operation” targeting Hamas leadership in Doha, while cautioning that “unilateral bombing inside another sovereign nation does not advance Israeli or American goals”.
  • She set the tone for Trump’s forthcoming state visit to the United Kingdom next week and previewed Thursday’s 9/11 Pentagon Memorial ceremony and Yankees game appearance, underscoring the administration’s agenda balance between foreign and domestic engagements.

Political and Diplomatic Context

  • The Epstein dispute stems from congressional inquiries into Jeffrey Epstein’s estate and its communications, putting Trump’s past associations under renewed scrutiny.
  • Israel’s strike, coming days after Trump’s “last warning” to Hamas, has drawn concern from U.S. allies about escalating regional violence and the perception of U.S. complicity.

Outlook: Leavitt’s forceful defense signals the White House’s readiness to litigate on personal legal matters while diplomatically navigating Middle East flashpoints as President Trump prepares for major international engagements.