House Democrats Publish Letter Allegedly Signed by Trump to Epstein
On Monday, House Democrats released a screenshot of a letter reportedly signed by then-President Donald Trump, sent to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein for his 50th birthday in 2003. The letter, part of a compilation of notes known as Epstein’s “birthday book,” features a hand-drawn outline of a woman’s torso with a cryptic exchange and Trump’s signature positioned below the hips of the drawing.
This letter is publicly available for the first time since The Wall Street Journal revealed its existence in mid-July. Trump has consistently denied writing the letter and has filed a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the newspaper and its parent company, alleging false reporting.
White House Disputes Authenticity of Letter and Signature
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the published drawing as proof that the story is fabricated, stating on social media that Trump neither drew the image nor signed the letter. Deputy White House Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich further contested the signature’s authenticity, sharing recent samples of Trump’s handwriting to assert a mismatch.
However, analysis of Trump’s signature over the years indicates significant evolution, with some past signatures resembling the one on the Epstein letter more closely, according to a 2016 New York Times report.
Oversight Committee Widens Epstein Investigation
The House Oversight Committee, with members from both parties, is investigating Epstein-related records following his 2019 death in prison while awaiting federal sex trafficking trial. Epstein’s estate complied with a subpoena by providing the entire “birthday book” and additional documents.
Later Monday, the Republican majority on the committee released over 350 pages of documents from the estate. GOP Chair Rep. James Comer criticized Democrats for selectively releasing materials and politicizing the information, while also announcing plans to seek further Epstein bank records.
Political and Legal Fallout
Epstein was once an associate of Trump, though their relationship reportedly soured in the mid-2000s. Since Trump assumed office, Epstein’s connections have posed reputational risks for the administration, which has faced criticism across the political spectrum for its handling of Epstein-related disclosures.
Trump has previously expressed willingness to release all criminal records related to Epstein but, following limited disclosures, the Department of Justice declared no further releases necessary, a stance that has angered some supporters.
Following the letter’s release, Rep. Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the Oversight panel, accused Trump of involvement in a cover-up. Rep. Comer responded by emphasizing that Trump is not currently accused of wrongdoing and accused Democrats of ignoring new information.
Ghislaine Maxwell’s Role and Legal Status
Ghislaine Maxwell, convicted and serving a 20-year sentence for facilitating Epstein’s abuse of minors, was involved in assembling the birthday book. In a July interview with the Deputy Attorney General, Maxwell stated she did not recall who contributed to the book.
Maxwell is currently appealing her conviction, seeking Supreme Court review.
FinOracleAI — Market View
The public release of this letter intensifies political scrutiny on former President Trump amid ongoing investigations into Jeffrey Epstein’s network. While no direct legal implications for Trump have emerged, the controversy may sustain negative media attention and political uncertainty.
Market impact is likely neutral in the short term as the issue remains primarily political rather than economic. Investors should monitor further disclosures from congressional probes and any legal developments related to Trump’s defamation suit or additional Epstein records.
Impact: neutral
