WSJ report marks latest twist in Trump-Epstein saga: Recent developments, explained
According to the Journal, a letter addressed from Trump to Epstein for his 50th birthday in 2003 was part of a leather-bound book including dozens of other cards. The Trump letter ends with 'Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret,' the Journal reported July 17.
Trump denied writing the letter and said in a social media post the story is "false, malicious, and defamatory."
The report comes amid political tensions over Epstein's supposed client list, which the Department of Justice and FBI said on July 7 never existed, despite past comments from Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to the contrary.
Here's what to know about recent developments in the saga.
July 7: DOJ denies Epstein 'list' exists
In a memo released July 7, the Justice Department and FBI said they found no evidence that Epstein kept a "client list."
The review also found no evidence that Epstein blackmailed prominent people as part of his actions or that he was murdered while in custody, according to the memo.
The announcement came after Bondi had seemingly confirmed a client list existed when she was asked about it during a February Fox News interview: "It's sitting on my desk right now to review," she said.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said July 7 that Bondi's past remarks referred to "the entirety of all of the paperwork" in the Epstein case, not a list of clients.
Trump supporters, others question handling of Epstein case
After the July 7 memo, some politicians and Trump supporters alike have called into question the administration's handling of the Epstein case and the assertion that a client list doesn't exist.
Epstein fallout Mike Pence urges Trump to 'release all the files' on Jeffrey Epstein
'What changed?' Popular podcaster criticizes JD Vance over past Epstein comments
"No one believes there is not a client list," U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) posted on X July 8.
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson said in a July 15 interview, "We should put everything out there and let the people decide."
"I'm going to go throw up, actually," right-wing radio show host Alex Jones said in a July 7 video in response to the memo.
On the other side of the aisle, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said on July 15, "If you're not hiding anything, prove that to the American people."
Trump has lashed out at supporters who have questioned the handling of the case.
'Jeffrey Epstein hoax': Trump lashes out at supporters
July 17: Did Trump write a birthday card to Epstein? What WSJ report says
The Wall Street Journal on July 17 published a report detailing a lewd letter bearing Trump's name that was sent to Epstein for a 2003 birthday album. The letter contained text inside a hand-drawn outline of a nude woman, with Trump's signature displayed as "a squiggly 'Donald' below her waist, mimicking pubic hair," the Journal wrote.
Trump denied writing the card in a series of social media posts, calling it "FAKE" and saying, "These are not my words, not the way I talk. Also, I don't draw pictures."
He also said he plans to sue the newspaper over the publication of the story, adding that its editors were "warned directly" by him.
July 17: Bondi says she will release Epstein grand jury docs
After the Journal report, Trump said in another social media post he is directing Bondi to reveal more Epstein documents.
"Based on the ridiculous amount of publicity given to Jeffrey Epstein, I have asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to produce any and all pertinent Grand Jury testimony, subject to Court approval," he said. "This SCAM, perpetuated by the Democrats, should end, right now!"
Bondi responded on July 17 that "we are ready to move the court tomorrow to unseal the grand jury transcripts."
Contributing: Zac Anderson, Joey Garrison & Aysha Bagchi, USA TODAY
Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at melina.khan@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: WSJ's birthday card report marks latest in Trump-Epstein saga
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