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Analysis: 5 big questions about Trump's ties to Epstein

Analysis: 5 big questions about Trump's ties to Epstein

CNN19-07-2025
A Wall Street Journal report late Thursday added new scrutiny to President Donald Trump's relationship with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The Journal reported that Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell asked Trump and many others to submit letters for an album for Epstein's 50th birthday in 2003.
A letter bearing Trump's name included a lewd outline of a naked woman and an imagined conversation between Trump and Epstein, according to the Journal. In the conversation, the two men reflect on how they share some kind of secret knowledge about how there's 'more to life than having everything.'
'Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret,' Trump concludes in this imagined conversation, according to the Journal.
The president has denied he wrote the letter, and on Friday, he filed a libel lawsuit against the publisher of the Wall Street Journal and the reporters who wrote the story.
'This is not me. This is a fake thing. It's a fake Wall Street Journal story,' Trump told the Journal in an interview earlier this week. 'I never wrote a picture in my life. I don't draw pictures of women.'
Trump added in a social media post after the story published: 'These are not my words, not the way I talk. Also, I don't draw pictures.'
It's been no secret that Trump and Epstein were friendly in the period before Epstein was charged with solicitation of prostitution in the mid 2000s. There are plenty of photos of them together.
But the new report – along with Trump's demands that his supporters stop pursuing questions about Epstein in the wake of his administration's botched handling of promised disclosures – has rekindled interest in the matter.
Trump has now relented a bit on disclosure, instructing the Justice Department to seek to unseal 'any and all pertinent Grand Jury testimony, subject to Court approval.' (The DOJ moved to do that on Friday, but it's possible that won't reveal much or happen anytime soon, given grand jury testimony is typically kept secret. And that testimony is only a small piece of the relevant information.)
So, what do we know so far about Trump and Epstein's relationship? Here are some key questions.
There are conflicting signals on this. And Trump's strained efforts to downplay their ties have raised plenty of questions.
After Epstein was arrested and charged with sex trafficking of minors in 2019, Trump distanced himself.
'Well, I knew him like everybody in Palm Beach knew him,' Trump told reporters during his first term. 'I mean, people in Palm Beach knew him. He was a fixture in Palm Beach. I had a falling out with him a long time ago. I don't think I've spoken to him for 15 years. I wasn't a fan.'
Trump then repeated twice more that he had not been 'a fan' of Epstein's.
His account of not speaking to Epstein since the 2000s is backed up by reporting. The Washington Post has reported that the two men had a falling-out while competing over the same Palm Beach oceanfront property in 2004.
That would place the falling-out before Epstein began getting in serious legal trouble; in 2006, Epstein was charged with soliciting a prostitute, and that same year reports surfaced that he had been under investigation for allegedly having sex with minors.
But Trump's suggestion that his relationship with Epstein was more incidental and his claim that he 'was not a fan' of Epstein's has been called into question, including by Trump's own commentary.
Their relationship appeared to stretch back to the 1980s. Trump flew on Epstein's jets between Palm Beach and New York, according to flight logs. They socialized at each other's properties.
The New York Times reported that, in 1992, Mar-a-Lago played host to a 'calendar girl' competition in which about two dozen women were flown in. But the only guests present were Trump and Epstein, according to a Florida businessman who organized the event, George Houraney. (Trump's White House didn't comment to the Times for the 2019 story.)
Most infamously, Trump in 2002 told New York magazine that Epstein was a 'terrific guy.'
'He's a lot of fun to be with,' Trump said. 'It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side. No doubt about it — Jeffrey enjoys his social life.'
Former Trump aide Sam Nunberg told the Washington Post in 2019 that he had pressed Trump about his ties to Epstein in 2014 when Trump was considering a presidential run.
'Bottom line, Donald would hang out with Epstein because he was rich,' Nunberg said, assuring Trump had severed ties long ago.
Precisely how close Trump and Epstein were isn't totally clear. Was this just a situation of powerful men occasionally partying together and sharing Epstein's private plane because that's what rich guys do? These are social situations tough for most Americans to understand.
But even if Trump really was somehow 'not a fan,' he's made other dodgy claims.
In January 2024, he said on social media: 'I was never on Epstein's Plane …' In fact, flight logs had already shown Trump flew on it seven times in the 1990s.
Trump also claimed in 2019 that he didn't 'know Prince Andrew' of Britain, who has been the subject of Epstein-related allegations, despite a number of photos showing Trump with the Duke of York.
Trump often lies and misleads in his public statements. And he certainly has reason to downplay his ties to Epstein. But going too far in that direction undercuts your credibility and feeds suspicion about what you might be hiding.
Precisely what the Journal's story will mean going forward isn't clear – although it's already rallied MAGA influencers who were critical of the administration's handling of the Epstein files to Trump's side.
The idea that Trump would submit a letter for Epstein's birthday album isn't that surprising, given this was when the two of them were seemingly on better terms (2003) and that dozens of other letters were reportedly solicited. The idea that Trump would be lewd in that letter also tracks, given his past. (See: The 'Access Hollywood' tape.)
But Trump — and many of those vocal supporters — have said this doesn't sound like him or something he would create.
Far-right activist Laura Loomer — who'd called for the administration to appoint a special counsel to look into the handling of the Epstein files — quickly came to Trump's defense Thursday night. 'Everyone who actually KNOWS President Trump knows he doesn't type letters. He writes notes in big black Sharpie,' she posted on X.
But while Trump maintains he doesn't draw pictures, his drawings have surfaced before. A signed Trump sketch of the Manhattan skyline sold at auction in 2017 for more than $29,000. (The sketch was reportedly from 2005, two years after the letter in question.) Another 1990s Trump sketch of the Empire State Building auctioned off the same year.
And Trump in a 2008 book recalled donating an autographed doodle every year to a charity.
Of course, none of that proves he wrote this letter and drew the accompanying picture. But again, Trump is undercutting his own credibility. Why lie about doodling — especially since it's easily disprovable?
And it's possible we could learn more about this. There has been some talk about having Maxwell — who the Journal reported solicited the letter — testify before Congress.
Trump's efforts to quiet chatter about Epstein have only furthered suspicion in some corners that his name could be in the files his administration has failed to produce.
We already know that Trump's name was in Epstein's flight logs. An Epstein personal address book that leaked in 2009 contained 14 phone numbers for Trump, Melania Trump and Trump's staff, according to media reports. A 2005 search of Epstein's Palm Beach mansion produced two written messages about phone calls from Trump.
So, it's not inconceivable he's in the files his supporters have been clamoring for. Merely being named, of course, wouldn't mean Trump had done anything wrong. But it could create political headaches — as the fallout from the Journal story shows — and as demonstrated by Trump's very public reluctance to release more documents.
Former top Trump adviser Elon Musk alleged last month while lashing out at Trump that the president was indeed in the Epstein files, adding, 'That is the real reason they have not been made public.'
But he provided no evidence for his claims and later deleted the post.
Trump was asked Tuesday if Attorney General Pam Bondi had told him his name was in the files, and he didn't directly answer.
'She's given us just a very quick briefing in terms of the credibility of the different things that they've seen,' Trump said.
Trump's 2002 comment about Epstein's taste for women 'on the younger side' has also loomed over him, furthering theories that he might have known something about what Epstein had been up to.
That remains speculative and unproven. Trump also said nothing about underage girls; he cited young 'women.'
But questions about who knew what and when with Epstein's conduct have long lingered. Trump's Mar-a-Lago property was a backdrop to some of Epstein's misdeeds. And Epstein and Trump's social connections often revolved around women.
According to Nunberg's 2019 account to the Washington Post, Trump said he banned Epstein from Mar-a-Lago because of misconduct. Nunberg said Trump said he did so because Epstein had recruited a young woman who worked there to give him massages. This was years before the Epstein investigation became public knowledge, according to the Post.
'He's a real creep, I banned him,' Nunberg said Trump had told him.
Multiple reports, including a 2020 book by reporters for the Miami Herald and Wall Street Journal, have linked Epstein's ban from Mar-a-Lago to alleged overtures to the teenage daughter of a Mar-a-Lago member.
Late Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre said she was recruited into the sex-trafficking ring while working at Mar-a-Lago in 2000.
Houraney also told the Times in 2019 that he raised concerns to Trump about Epstein's conduct ahead of that 1992 'calendar girl' event.
'I said, 'Look, Donald, I know Jeff really well, I can't have him going after younger girls,'' Houraney said. 'He said, 'Look I'm putting my name on this. I wouldn't put my name on it and have a scandal.''
Trump appears to have been helpful to those probing Epstein's conduct, but we know little about what he said because he was never deposed. One attorney for Epstein's alleged victims has said Trump in 2009 was a very willing interview subject.
The attorney, Brad Edwards, said Trump 'gave no indication whatsoever that he was involved in anything untoward whatsoever.'
While Trump in 2019 quickly distanced himself from Epstein, his commentary the following year after Maxwell was charged was different — and somewhat bizarre.
'But I wish her well, whatever it is,' Trump told reporters in late July 2020.
Despite significant criticism of that — wishing an accused (and later-convicted) child sex trafficker well — Trump a couple weeks later doubled and tripled down when pressed by then-Axios reporter Jonathan Swan on how odd that sounded.
'Yeah, I wish her well,' Trump told Swan. 'I'd wish you well. I'd wish a lot of people well. Good luck. Let them prove somebody was guilty.'
Trump added, when pressed again: 'I do wish her well. I'm not looking for anything bad for her. I'm not looking bad for anybody.'
Even for a president who often says weird things, this ranks near the top.
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Canada has just announced that it is backing statehood for Palestine. That will make it very hard for us to make a Trade Deal with them. Oh' Canada!!!," Trump wrote on Truth social. The US has inked a deal with at least one other country backing Palestinian statehood — the UK, whose prime minister, Kier Starmer, said this week it would recognize and support Palestinian statehood from September 2025. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. President Trump hit out at Canada on Thursday, saying its support for Palestinian statehood would make it harder to strike a trade deal with the US's neighbor. "Wow! Canada has just announced that it is backing statehood for Palestine. That will make it very hard for us to make a Trade Deal with them. Oh' Canada!!!," Trump wrote on Truth social. The US has inked a deal with at least one other country backing Palestinian statehood — the UK, whose prime minister, Kier Starmer, said this week it would recognize and support Palestinian statehood from September 2025. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. US sets Korea tariff rate at 15% in deal with key supplier The US announced on Wednesday that it had reached a trade deal with South Korea that will impose a 15% tariff on imports, including autos and sets up a major investment in American energy and shipbuilding. President Trump announced the deal on Truth Social writing that a "full and complete trade deal" had been reached. "I am pleased to announce that the United States of America has agreed to a Full and Complete Trade Deal with the Republic of Korea. The Deal is that South Korea will give to the United States $350 Billion Dollars for Investments owned and controlled by the United States, and selected by myself, as President," Trump wrote. "Additionally, South Korea will purchase $100 Billion Dollars of LNG, or other Energy products and, further, South Korea has agreed to invest a large sum of money for their Investment purposes." Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. The US announced on Wednesday that it had reached a trade deal with South Korea that will impose a 15% tariff on imports, including autos and sets up a major investment in American energy and shipbuilding. President Trump announced the deal on Truth Social writing that a "full and complete trade deal" had been reached. "I am pleased to announce that the United States of America has agreed to a Full and Complete Trade Deal with the Republic of Korea. The Deal is that South Korea will give to the United States $350 Billion Dollars for Investments owned and controlled by the United States, and selected by myself, as President," Trump wrote. "Additionally, South Korea will purchase $100 Billion Dollars of LNG, or other Energy products and, further, South Korea has agreed to invest a large sum of money for their Investment purposes." Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Trump says US has reached trade deal with Pakistan President Trump on Wednesday said the US reached a trade deal with Pakistan that will see the US work with the nation to develop its "massive" oil reserves. Trump wrote on Truth Social: Pakistan's goods faced a 29% tariff under Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs. Trump didn't specify a new tariff rate. The apparent agreement comes the same day that Trump ratcheted up tensions with India, with whom Pakistan has long had geopolitical tensions. Trump threatened 25% tariffs on India's imports to the US, plus an additional penalty for what he said was the country's cozy ties with Russia. President Trump on Wednesday said the US reached a trade deal with Pakistan that will see the US work with the nation to develop its "massive" oil reserves. Trump wrote on Truth Social: Pakistan's goods faced a 29% tariff under Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs. Trump didn't specify a new tariff rate. The apparent agreement comes the same day that Trump ratcheted up tensions with India, with whom Pakistan has long had geopolitical tensions. Trump threatened 25% tariffs on India's imports to the US, plus an additional penalty for what he said was the country's cozy ties with Russia. Powell on tariff-related price increases: Companies will 'cross the street in a group' Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said on Wednesday that the central bank is seeing the "early beginnings" of tariff inflation on goods. "They'll cross the street in a group," Powell said of companies raising prices together, citing as an example the price hikes on both washing machines and dryers that occurred during the first Trump administration, even though only washing machine imports faced higher tariffs. Powell's comments echoed some of what we've heard from companies so far this earnings season. While companies haven't hiked prices across the board, some with businesses most exposed to President Trump's tariffs have noted that they will raise prices to protect margins and offset higher costs. Procter & Gamble (PG), for instance, said on Tuesday it would raise prices by about 2.5% across its portfolio. Mondelez (MDLZ) also said it plans to raise prices, though with a "surgical" approach amid some signs of consumer stress. And L'Oréal affirmed plans to raise prices to offset higher costs from tariffs. Graco Inc. (GGG), a Minneapolis-based industrial equipment manufacturer, said it waited to see what its competitors did on price before taking a price increase. "That gave us the opportunity and the confidence to know that we could also do the same thing," CEO Mark Sheahan said. Read more live coverage of corporate earnings. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said on Wednesday that the central bank is seeing the "early beginnings" of tariff inflation on goods. "They'll cross the street in a group," Powell said of companies raising prices together, citing as an example the price hikes on both washing machines and dryers that occurred during the first Trump administration, even though only washing machine imports faced higher tariffs. Powell's comments echoed some of what we've heard from companies so far this earnings season. While companies haven't hiked prices across the board, some with businesses most exposed to President Trump's tariffs have noted that they will raise prices to protect margins and offset higher costs. Procter & Gamble (PG), for instance, said on Tuesday it would raise prices by about 2.5% across its portfolio. Mondelez (MDLZ) also said it plans to raise prices, though with a "surgical" approach amid some signs of consumer stress. And L'Oréal affirmed plans to raise prices to offset higher costs from tariffs. Graco Inc. (GGG), a Minneapolis-based industrial equipment manufacturer, said it waited to see what its competitors did on price before taking a price increase. "That gave us the opportunity and the confidence to know that we could also do the same thing," CEO Mark Sheahan said. Read more live coverage of corporate earnings. Trump ends tariff break for low-value goods in blow to online retailers President Trump is ending a policy that spared lower-value goods from being impacted by tariffs. The policy will come to an end in late August and will impact goods valued at less than $800. Bloomberg reports: Read more here from Bloomberg. President Trump is ending a policy that spared lower-value goods from being impacted by tariffs. The policy will come to an end in late August and will impact goods valued at less than $800. Bloomberg reports: Read more here from Bloomberg. Trump signs order to justify 50% tariffs on Brazil President Trump has imposed 50% tariffs on Brazil by citing a 1977 law that revolves around the prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro. AP reports: Read more here. President Trump has imposed 50% tariffs on Brazil by citing a 1977 law that revolves around the prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro. AP reports: Read more here. Fed's Powell speaks on tariff effects on inflation: 'It doesn't feel like we're very close to the end' Fed Chair Jerome Powell said on Wednesday that increased tariffs are beginning to push up inflation in some categories, but longer-term inflation expectations remain anchored around the central bank's 2% goal. "Higher tariffs have begun to show through more clearly to prices of some goods, but their overall effects on economic activity and inflation remain to be seen," Powell said in a press conference after the Federal Reserve held interest rates steady. Powell reiterated that central bank policymakers remain in wait-and-see mode. Though two policymakers dissented during the FOMC's meeting for the first time since 1993, as the effects of President Trump's tariff policies have divided central banker. 'It's been a very dynamic time for these trade negotiations, and lots and lots of events in the intermeeting period," Powell continued. "But we're still, you know, a ways away from seeing where things settle down." "It doesn't feel like we're very close to the end of that [trade negotiation] process, and that's not for us to judge, but it feels like there's much more to come." Fed Chair Jerome Powell said on Wednesday that increased tariffs are beginning to push up inflation in some categories, but longer-term inflation expectations remain anchored around the central bank's 2% goal. "Higher tariffs have begun to show through more clearly to prices of some goods, but their overall effects on economic activity and inflation remain to be seen," Powell said in a press conference after the Federal Reserve held interest rates steady. Powell reiterated that central bank policymakers remain in wait-and-see mode. Though two policymakers dissented during the FOMC's meeting for the first time since 1993, as the effects of President Trump's tariff policies have divided central banker. 'It's been a very dynamic time for these trade negotiations, and lots and lots of events in the intermeeting period," Powell continued. "But we're still, you know, a ways away from seeing where things settle down." "It doesn't feel like we're very close to the end of that [trade negotiation] process, and that's not for us to judge, but it feels like there's much more to come." Trump administration announces 50% tariffs on some copper imports President Trump signed a proclamation on Wednesday to impose 50% tariffs on certain copper imports starting Aug. 1. According to a White House fact sheet, "The Proclamation imposes universal 50% tariffs on imports of semi-finished copper products (such as copper pipes, wires, rods, sheets, and tubes) and copper-intensive derivative products (such as pipe fittings, cables, connectors, and electrical components), effective August 1." The measure came after a US investigation under Section 323, which US President Donald Trump ordered in February. The tariffs do not apply to the copper content of a product and they do not stack with auto 232 tariffs. Copper input materials (such as copper ores, concentrates, mattes, cathodes, and anodes) and copper scrap are also exempt from the measure. Read more here from Reuters. President Trump signed a proclamation on Wednesday to impose 50% tariffs on certain copper imports starting Aug. 1. According to a White House fact sheet, "The Proclamation imposes universal 50% tariffs on imports of semi-finished copper products (such as copper pipes, wires, rods, sheets, and tubes) and copper-intensive derivative products (such as pipe fittings, cables, connectors, and electrical components), effective August 1." The measure came after a US investigation under Section 323, which US President Donald Trump ordered in February. The tariffs do not apply to the copper content of a product and they do not stack with auto 232 tariffs. Copper input materials (such as copper ores, concentrates, mattes, cathodes, and anodes) and copper scrap are also exempt from the measure. Read more here from Reuters. Trump's trade deals come with few details to flesh out big numbers President Trump has announced a flurry of trade agreements, but many so far are proving light on detail, with key aspects still under negotiation, partners giving mixed signals about what they signed up for, and big numbers shrinking under scrutiny. Bloomberg reports: Read more here. President Trump has announced a flurry of trade agreements, but many so far are proving light on detail, with key aspects still under negotiation, partners giving mixed signals about what they signed up for, and big numbers shrinking under scrutiny. Bloomberg reports: Read more here. Hershey grows optimistic about cocoa tariff exemption as the company cuts guidance Hershey (HSY) is hoping for a Trump administration reprieve on tariffs as rising cocoa prices weigh on its full-year outlook. "I would say that we are even more optimistic now," Hershey CEO Michele Buck said on the company's earnings call. "As we've had conversations over the past several months, we have become increasingly comfortable that the government administration understands some of our concerns about the fact that cocoa can only be grown and sourced outside of the US." Buck cited comments from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in recent days that left the door open for an exemption for cocoa products. "If you grow something and we don't grow it, that can come in for zero [tariffs]," Lutnick said on CNBC's Squawk Box on Tuesday. "So if we do a deal with a country that grows mangos, pineapple, then they can come in without a tariff. ... Coffee and cocoa will be other examples of natural resources," Lutnick added. Hershey plans to raise prices, though Buck stated that the price increases "had nothing to do with tariffs." For the year, Hershey expects to see a $170 million to $180 million cost headwind from tariffs. "We'll continue to press on tariffs relative to the cocoa exemption," Buck said, adding: "That's sort of out of our control, but [we] continue to lean there." Hershey (HSY) is hoping for a Trump administration reprieve on tariffs as rising cocoa prices weigh on its full-year outlook. "I would say that we are even more optimistic now," Hershey CEO Michele Buck said on the company's earnings call. "As we've had conversations over the past several months, we have become increasingly comfortable that the government administration understands some of our concerns about the fact that cocoa can only be grown and sourced outside of the US." Buck cited comments from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in recent days that left the door open for an exemption for cocoa products. "If you grow something and we don't grow it, that can come in for zero [tariffs]," Lutnick said on CNBC's Squawk Box on Tuesday. "So if we do a deal with a country that grows mangos, pineapple, then they can come in without a tariff. ... Coffee and cocoa will be other examples of natural resources," Lutnick added. Hershey plans to raise prices, though Buck stated that the price increases "had nothing to do with tariffs." For the year, Hershey expects to see a $170 million to $180 million cost headwind from tariffs. "We'll continue to press on tariffs relative to the cocoa exemption," Buck said, adding: "That's sort of out of our control, but [we] continue to lean there." India-US trade talks go off rails on row over farm markets Indian officials were initially confident of a trade agreement with the US, but now negotiations appear complicated by the US's announcement that it will impose a 25% tariff on Indian goods starting Aug. 1. India's high tariffs and non-monetary trade barriers remain sticking points, especially concerning agriculture. India imposes an average most-favored-nation tariff of 39% on imported farm goods, compared to 5% in the US. Reuters breaks down some of the key issues in focus: Read more here. Indian officials were initially confident of a trade agreement with the US, but now negotiations appear complicated by the US's announcement that it will impose a 25% tariff on Indian goods starting Aug. 1. India's high tariffs and non-monetary trade barriers remain sticking points, especially concerning agriculture. India imposes an average most-favored-nation tariff of 39% on imported farm goods, compared to 5% in the US. Reuters breaks down some of the key issues in focus: Read more here. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

Modi's ‘True Friend' Trump Deals India Another Blow With Tariff Threats
Modi's ‘True Friend' Trump Deals India Another Blow With Tariff Threats

New York Times

time13 minutes ago

  • New York Times

Modi's ‘True Friend' Trump Deals India Another Blow With Tariff Threats

For years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India has moved his country closer to the United States, in particular by focusing on his relationship with President Trump, whom he has called a 'true friend.' The much-touted bond, nurtured through platitudes and joint appearances at stadium rallies during Mr. Trump's first term, led one television anchor sympathetic to India's leader to coo that 'they have extraordinary chemistry.' Another chipped in: 'When the two of them are onstage together, it is like lightning.' But just when Mr. Modi needed to lean into that relationship, he has instead had to weather a series of blows from Mr. Trump that is hurting his strongman reputation at home. Indian officials are wondering how the historic highs in the relationship have soured so quickly. Mr. Trump's announcement on Wednesday that he was slapping 25 percent tariffs on India, as well as an unspecified additional penalty for India's economic ties to Russia, was just the latest in a series of slights. Mr. Modi has also faced a storm of criticism over the Trump administration's treatment of India, which it has seemingly been treating as an equal to its smaller archnemesis, Pakistan. Analysts and officials in New Delhi say the damage runs deeper: It has thrown off a relationship that has been built painstakingly for decades, one that recognized India's balancing act in a difficult region where China and Russia loom large. India had been allowed to quietly grow closer to the United States on its own terms and has taken a firmer stance on China. 'One of the attributes of Indian foreign policy in the past 20 or 25 years is that we built an equation, at the leader level and at the systemic level, with America through thick and thin, through multiple transitions,' said Ashok Malik, the chair of the India practice at The Asia Group and a former adviser to the Modi government. 'That has been shaken.' Want all of The Times? Subscribe.

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