By Ronald Kapper | The US News Desk
September 9, 2025 — Washington, D.C.
The release of a controversial letter from Jeffrey Epstein’s 2003 “birthday book” has sent shockwaves through political and legal circles. The letter, now in congressional hands, appears to bear Donald Trump’s signature alongside crude illustrations and comments. It was part of a leather-bound volume compiled for Epstein’s 50th birthday by his close associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, and contained personal notes, drawings, and inside jokes from Epstein’s network of associates.
What the Letter Contains
The page in question is extraordinary in its content. At its center is a sketch of a nude female torso, with a typewritten dialogue between “Donald” and Epstein placed over it. The fictional conversation contains crude remarks, including a suggestive reference to women, before ending with a sarcastic birthday wish:
“Happy Birthday – and may every day be another wonderful secret.”
Below the text, the first name “Donald” is scrawled in a jagged, exaggerated fashion. Observers noted that the letters of the signature are drawn in a way that appears intentionally lewd, mimicking pubic hair around the sketch.
The style and tone of the entry are unlike any of the other pages in the book, which included polite wishes, doodles, and personal messages from wealthy financiers, socialites, and political insiders.
Trump’s Denial
Former President Donald Trump has categorically denied writing the note or signing the page. He has called the release a fabrication, dismissing it as a partisan attack designed to damage his reputation. His legal team has announced a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against media outlets that have covered the story, insisting that the handwriting and doodles are not his.
“This is nothing more than a desperate attempt to smear President Trump with fake documents,” one spokesperson said, adding that the birthday book itself was “tainted by association with Epstein’s crimes.”
Contradictory Evidence
Critics of Trump’s denial point to several contradictions. Trump has, on multiple occasions, sold or displayed doodles and sketches attributed to him, some of them dating back to the early 2000s. These artworks demonstrate a familiarity with playful or exaggerated sketching, undermining his claim that he has “never drawn a picture in his life.”
Handwriting analysts have also noted stylistic similarities between the “Donald” signature in the birthday book and Trump’s documented signatures from that period. While not conclusive, the resemblance raises questions about the authenticity of his denial.
Broader Context of the Birthday Book
The 2003 birthday book has long been an object of speculation. It was described by investigators as a scrapbook filled with personal messages, many of them lighthearted, from Epstein’s wide network of high-profile acquaintances. Figures such as Bill Clinton, Alan Dershowitz, Naomi Campbell, and other prominent names have appeared in various entries.
While most contributions were innocuous, the page attributed to Trump stands out for its sexually suggestive imagery and tone. For critics, this fuels further scrutiny of Trump’s past relationship with Epstein, which has already been a subject of intense public debate.
Political and Legal Fallout
The unveiling of this letter could have far-reaching implications. Trump’s legal battles are already numerous, and the association with Epstein—despite his denials—adds a layer of political vulnerability. Congressional Democrats are using the release to push for full disclosure of Epstein-related documents, including travel records, correspondence, and financial dealings.
Some lawmakers argue that the public deserves transparency into Epstein’s connections, particularly when they involve individuals who have held the highest office in the United States. The letter, whether authentic or forged, has reignited demands for accountability and disclosure.
For Trump’s supporters, however, the revelation is seen as part of a broader campaign to discredit him. They argue that political rivals are weaponizing Epstein’s legacy to undermine Trump’s influence as he continues to dominate Republican politics.
The Road Ahead
Investigators are now faced with the task of authenticating the letter. Experts in handwriting, ink analysis, and paper dating will likely be consulted to determine whether the entry is genuine or an elaborate forgery.
Meanwhile, the release of the birthday book represents a rare glimpse into Epstein’s inner circle at the height of his influence. Beyond the sensational details, it underscores the deep entanglement of wealth, politics, and power that defined Epstein’s world—a network that continues to cast a long shadow years after his death.
At a Glance
- Document: Page from Epstein’s 2003 birthday book
- Content: Nude female sketch, crude jokes, signed “Donald”
- Trump’s Position: Denies authorship, calls it fake, files defamation suit
- Contradictions: Trump has a history of sketches/doodles; handwriting shows similarities
- Political Impact: Fuels scrutiny of Trump’s ties to Epstein; sparks calls for more disclosures
