'Never seen him doodle': Ex-aide Michael Cohen questions authenticity of Trump's Epstein letter; backs call to release files
Former Trump attorney Michael Cohen has cast serious doubt on the Wall Street Journal's claim that US President Donald Trump drew a suggestive picture for Jeffrey Epstein in 2003.
Cohen said that during 13 years working closely with Trump, he 'never once saw him doodle. I never saw him draw a picture. In fact, I would be very shocked if Donald Trump actually can doodle." He further claimed that the words and language on the alleged letter were not Trump's.
Cohen also said that he is in favour of releasing the Epstein files, like most of the GOP base.
Cohen's comments come after the Wall Street Journal reported that a birthday album for Epstein's 50th included a note from Trump.
The note allegedly had 'lines of typewritten text framed by the outline of a naked woman, drawn in thick black marker.' The Journal says: 'A pair of small arcs denotes the woman's breasts, and the future president's signature is a squiggly 'Donald' below her waist, mimicking pubic hair.' It ended: 'Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret.'
Trump furiously denied the report during an interview with the Journal: 'I never wrote a picture in my life.
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I don't draw pictures of women. It's not my language. It's not my words.'
The MAGA chief launched a defamation suit against The Wall Street Journal, News Corp, and Rupert Murdoch. He also directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to seek the release of 'any and all' Epstein files.
MAGA voices join in
High-profile MAGA figures swiftly backed Trump. vice-president JD Vance dismissed the story as 'complete and utter bulls**t' while activist Laura Loomer called the letter 'totally fake,' arguing, 'Everyone who actually KNOWS President Trump knows he doesn't type letters.
He writes notes in big black Sharpie.'
Charlie Kirk also expressed scepticism, stating, 'This is not how Trump talks at all. I don't believe it,' referring to the third-person style of the Journal's quoted text.
The alleged letter is part of justice department files on Epstein-related materials that have been at the centre of a political row. The DOJ closed its investigation in June, saying no new 'client list' emerged, a decision that disappointed some Republican supporters and many Democrat adversaries who wanted greater transparency
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