Latest news with #Angels'
India Today
2 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
Trump-Epstein Ties: Allegations, Lawsuits, and Unfulfilled Promises
On July 17, 2025, The Wall Street Journal published an article alleging that Donald Trump contributed a sexually suggestive letter to a 2003 birthday album for Jeffrey Epstein's 50th birthday, compiled by Ghislaine Maxwell. The letter, reportedly typewritten with a sketch of a naked woman's silhouette, included lines suggesting Trump and Epstein shared 'wonderful secrets' and had 'certain things in common.' Trump vehemently denied authorship, labeling the report 'false, malicious, and defamatory,' and filed a $10 billion libel lawsuit against the Journal, its reporters, and owner Rupert next day, Trump directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to seek court approval to release grand jury testimony from Epstein's 2019 federal sex-trafficking case, citing 'extensive public interest.'This move was seen as a response to mounting pressure from Trump's base, who were frustrated by the Justice Department's July 6, 2025, memo stating no 'client list' existed, and no further disclosures were warranted, as well as the renewed scrutiny from the Journal's allegations. Trump's directive followed a year of unfulfilled campaign promises to declassify all Epstein files, which had fueled expectations among MAGA supporters for a supposed 'client list' exposing elite involvement in Epstein's FriendshipJeffrey Epstein was a financier and convicted sex offender who ran a sex-trafficking operation targeting minors, primarily in the 1990s and 2000s, until his arrest in 2019 and subsequent suicide. Donald Trump, then a real estate mogul and media personality, was a prominent figure in New York's elite social scene during the same relationship began in the late 1980s in New York, where both moved in similar high-society circles. By 1987, they were acquaintances, as Trump later noted in 2002 that he had known Epstein for 15 years. Their bond grew through shared interests in wealth, status, and socializing, with Epstein becoming a frequent guest at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, where they were neighbors. Photos and media from the era, including a 1992 NBC video of a Mar-a-Lago party with NFL cheerleaders, show them laughing and commenting on women, underscoring their close social Fallout: Trump and Epstein's friendship ended in 2004 over a competitive bidding war for an oceanfront Palm Beach mansion sold out of bankruptcy. Trump won the property, outbidding later claimed he banned Epstein from Mar-a-Lago, though no specific date or evidence confirms this. Some speculate Epstein believed Trump tipped off Palm Beach police, who received a report about young women at Epstein's home in November 2004, leading to a 2005 investigation. No evidence supports this of their interactionsThe 1990s marked the peak of their friendship, documented through social events. They were photographed together at events like a 1997 Victoria's Secret 'Angels' party in New York and multiple Mar-a-Lago gatherings. The 1992 NBC footage shows Trump whispering to Epstein at a Mar-a-Lago party, with Trump calling one woman 'hot.'advertisementFlight Logs: Court documents from Epstein aide Ghislaine Maxwell's 2021 trial reveal Trump flew on Epstein's private jet, dubbed the 'Lolita Express,' many times between 1993 and 1994, typically between New York and Florida. Passengers sometimes included Marla Maples (Trump's then-wife), their daughter Tiffany, a nanny, and possibly Maxwell (listed as 'GM'). No evidence places Trump on flights to Epstein's Little St. James island, where much of the abuse Virginia Giuffre, an Epstein victim, was recruited by Maxwell at Mar-a-Lago in 2000 at age 16 but testified in 2016 that she never saw Trump engage in abuse. Another accuser, 'Jane,' testified in Maxwell's trial that Epstein took her to Mar-a-Lago at age 14 in the 1990s to meet Trump, but no misconduct by Trump was Casino Incident: In 2017, tapes released by Michael Wolff in 2024, Epstein claimed he and Trump frequented Atlantic City casinos to 'pick up women,' describing a strategy where they separated women from male companions. Epstein alleged Trump took a woman to an 'Egyptian Room' and later boasted about it. These claims are unverified, and Trump's campaign dismissed Wolff as a 'disgraced writer' prone to flight logs and social events confirm a close relationship but not criminal activity. The Wolff tapes, while revealing Epstein's perspective, lack corroboration and rely on a questionable allegations against TrumpSeveral allegations have surfaced, but none have been substantiated with credible evidence. In 2024, former model Stacey Williams alleged that in late winter or early spring 1993, Epstein, whom she briefly dated, took her to Trump's Fifth Avenue penthouse. She claimed Trump groped her while smiling at Epstein, describing it as a 'twisted game.' Epstein later reportedly berated her for allowing it. Trump denied it, and no corroborating evidence has been made public.2017 Wolff Tapes: In recordings released in 2024, Epstein told journalist Michael Wolff he was Trump's 'closest friend for 10 years,' alleging shared activities like pursuing women in Atlantic City and Trump sleeping with Melania on the 'Lolita Express.' He also claimed Trump pursued friends' wives and discussed his management style. Trump's campaign called these 'false smears' by a 'disgraced writer,' and no evidence supports Epstein's Musk's Claim: In June 2025, Musk posted on X that Trump was named in sealed Epstein files, suggesting this explained their non-disclosure. He provided no evidence, later deleted the post, and Trump refuted it, citing Epstein's former lawyer, David Schoen, who said Epstein had no incriminating information on Photos: A 2021 Vanity Fair article cited an Epstein associate claiming Epstein showed photos of Trump with a topless young girl and another with two young girls. These photos have never been released or verified.2003 Birthday Letter: The Wall Street Journal's July 17, 2025, article alleged Trump contributed a suggestive letter to Epstein's 2003 birthday album, with a naked woman's sketch and lines like, 'Donald: We have certain things in common, Jeffrey May every day be another wonderful secret.'Trump denied authorship, filed a $10 billion libel lawsuit, and claimed the letter was role in Epstein CaseAfter Epstein's 2005 investigation and 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor, Trump distanced himself. In 2009, Brad Edwards, an attorney for Epstein's victims, stated Trump was the only prominent figure who willingly spoke with him, providing information about Epstein, suggesting cooperation with victims' legal 2019, when Epstein was arrested on federal charges, Trump told reporters he was 'not a fan,' citing their 2004 fallout and claiming no contact for 15 years. He briefly retweeted a conspiracy theory linking Epstein's death to Bill Clinton but later backed away from such claims. Trump's 2024 campaign included promises to declassify Epstein July 6, 2025, the Justice Department issued a memo stating no 'client list' existed, confirmed Epstein's 2019 death as a suicide, and closed further disclosures. This sparked outrage, with supporters like Jack Posobiec and Megyn Kelly demanding Bondi's resignation and some burning MAGA hats. Reports emerged of tensions between Bondi and FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino, a former podcast host who pushed Epstein conspiracies and threatened to response, Trump called the Epstein controversy a 'Democratic hoax,' defended Bondi, and urged supporters to move on, claiming 'nobody cares' about the Trump in Trouble?As of July 19, 2025, no credible evidence implicates Trump in Epstein's sex-trafficking or abuse. The Justice Department's July 6, 2025 memo ruled out a 'client list', and Epstein's 2019 death was ruled a and political pressure for full disclosure continues, driven by distrust and conspiracy theories. Trump's directive to release 2019 grand jury testimony is pending court approval, but it is separate from broader FBI files and may not address all demands for transparency. The grand jury testimony's potential release may clarify some aspects, but without broader disclosure, speculation will Wall Street Journal's allegations and Trump's response have intensified divisions within his base. Analysts note that the $10 billion libel lawsuit against the Journal and Rupert Murdoch is a high-stakes gamble, potentially drawing more attention to Trump's past ties with strategist Steve Bannon's estimate of a possible 10% loss of Trump's base and up to 40 House seats reflects concerns that unfulfilled promises to declassify Epstein files could alienate supporters, particularly if court proceedings reveal damaging details. However, MAGA figures like Laura Loomer and Charlie Kirk have rallied supporters by framing the WSJ report as a 'deep state' attack.- EndsTune InMust Watch
NBC Sports
3 days ago
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Angels slugger Mike Trout closing in on 400 homers, 1,000 RBIs with aim on postseason
PHILADELPHIA — Mike Trout arrived in Philadelphia in time to catch the unveiling of a new target in the deepest part of the ballpark -- the 2026 All-Star game logo, complete with the Liberty Bell in the center of the design. The Angels slugger has something to aim for in Philly. As a home run target? No, the oversized symbol that celebrates next year's All-Star game is raised well beyond the centerfield wall and out of reach to even Schwarbombs in Ashburn Alley, closer to the retired numbers on the bricks at Citizens Bank Park. As a potential destination for next season? Making the All-Star game is more on the nose for Trout, an 11-time selection who hasn't been picked to play for the American League since 2023. Yet each time Trout plays in Philadelphia, just over 40 miles from the slugger's New Jersey hometown, talk tends to drift from All-Star games, his injuries, his upcoming career milestones -- he's closing in on 400 homers and 1,000 RBIs -- or a rare Angels' push at the postseason, and lands right on the possibility he'll one day suit up for the Phillies. 'I hear it all the time,' Trout said with a laugh outside the Angels' clubhouse on Friday. 'Right now, I'm enjoying myself with this team in here. These guys come to the ballpark every day and play hard. It's hard not for me to see it, because I see it and hear it all the time.' He'll settle at least a crack at the 2026 All-Star Game. 'It would definitely mean a lot,' Trout said. Trout entered the start of a three-game series against the Phillies having the kind of season that has defined most of his last five seasons in California. When he's healthy, he's on. He has a .283 batting average, .433 on-base percentage and .478 slugging percentage with eight home runs and 23 RBIs in 41 games since he came off the injured list on May 30. Otherwise, it's more stints on the IL. This season, he was hampered by a bone bruise on his left knee that cost him time. Trout was the designated hitter on Friday night against the NL East champion Phillies, who could certainly use a right-handed bat with pop in the outfield as they make their own playoff run. He did some light pregame work in the outfield ('get my feet under me') and hoped he'd return to right field in the near future. Trout said his knee did feel 'a lot better' after four days off and off his feet over the All-Star break. 'I'm just happy to be in the lineup, contributing,' he said. 'Years past, it's just come to the ballpark, not be able to at least hit. That's been frustrating, that's been tough.' He again expected a full house of fans from his hometown of Millville, New Jersey, on hand to root him on as the three-time AL MVP started the game with 395 career home runs and 995 career RBIs. 'To think about it, it's just how fast it's going,' Trout said. 'Just trying to enjoy every minute of it. The milestones are awesome. I'm looking forward to hopefully getting them.' Trout would have blown by those numbers years ago had it not been for his injuries that have allowed him play more than 82 games only once since 2019. 'Things happen,' he said. There are no guarantees he'll chip away at those numbers over the weekend -- Trout has never gone deep at Citizens Bank Park. The New Jersey native has kept his ties to the area as he blossomed into one of baseball's great sluggers; his family still lives in the area, he collaborated with Tiger Woods on a new golf course, and yes, the Eagles season-ticket holder still bleeds Kelly green. The Angels were 47-49 headed into Friday, but only four games out of a wild-card spot. Trout played in three career playoff games in 2014. Los Angeles' 47 wins are the most for the franchise at the All-Star break since it had 49 in 2018. 'The team in there right now, we've got a great mindset,' he said. 'We've got a great group in there. We pass the baton at the plate. We're tough outs.' None tougher at his best than Trout. He's trying to become the 20th player in baseball history to hit his first 400 home runs with one franchise. 'This guy is a superstar,' Phillies manager Rob Thomson said. 'I saw him when he first came up and he hit the ball as far as you could think. He runs down the first base line, it sounds like a horse, just big and strong and fast.'
Los Angeles Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- Los Angeles Times
Angels star Mike Trout nearing 400 homers, 1,000 RBIs: ‘Milestones are awesome'
PHILADELPHIA — Mike Trout arrived in Philadelphia in time to catch the unveiling of a new target in the deepest part of the ballpark — the 2026 All-Star game logo, complete with the Liberty Bell in the center of the design. The Angels slugger has something to aim for in Philly. As a home run target? No, the oversized symbol that celebrates next year's All-Star game is raised well beyond the center-field wall and out of reach to even Schwarbombs in Ashburn Alley, closer to the retired numbers on the bricks at Citizens Bank Park. As a potential destination for next season? Making the All-Star game is more on the nose for Trout, an 11-time selection who hasn't been picked to play for the American League since 2023. Yet each time Trout plays in Philadelphia, just over 40 miles from the slugger's New Jersey hometown, talk tends to drift from All-Star games, his injuries, his upcoming career milestones -- he's closing in on 400 homers and 1,000 RBIs — or a rare Angels' push at the postseason, and lands right on the possibility he'll one day suit up for the Phillies. 'I hear it all the time,' Trout said with a laugh outside the Angels' clubhouse on Friday. 'Right now, I'm enjoying myself with this team in here. These guys come to the ballpark every day and play hard. It's hard not for me to see it, because I see it and hear it all the time.' He'll settle at least a crack at the 2026 All-Star Game. 'It would definitely mean a lot,' Trout said. Trout entered the start of a three-game series against the Phillies having the kind of season that has defined most of his last five seasons in California. When he's healthy, he's on. He has a .283 batting average, .433 on-base percentage and .478 slugging percentage with eight home runs and 23 RBIs in 41 games since he came off the injured list on May 30. Otherwise, it's more stints on the IL. This season, he was hampered by a bone bruise on his left knee that cost him time. Trout was the designated hitter on Friday night against the NL East champion Phillies, who could certainly use a right-handed bat with pop in the outfield as they make their own playoff run. He did some light pregame work in the outfield ('get my feet under me') and hoped he'd return to right field in the near future. Trout said his knee did feel 'a lot better' after four days off and off his feet over the All-Star break. 'I'm just happy to be in the lineup, contributing,' he said. 'Years past, it's just come to the ballpark, not be able to at least hit. That's been frustrating, that's been tough.' He again expected a full house of fans from his hometown of Millville, N.J., on hand to root him on as the three-time AL MVP started the game with 395 career home runs and 995 career RBIs. 'To think about it, it's just how fast it's going,' Trout said. 'Just trying to enjoy every minute of it. The milestones are awesome. I'm looking forward to hopefully getting them.' Trout would have blown by those numbers years ago had it not been for his injuries that have allowed him to play more than 82 games only once since 2019. 'Things happen,' he said. There are no guarantees he'll chip away at those numbers over the weekend — Trout has never gone deep at Citizens Bank Park. Trout has kept his ties to the area as he blossomed into one of baseball's great sluggers; his family still lives in the area, he collaborated with Tiger Woods on a new golf course, and yes, the Eagles season-ticket holder still bleeds Kelly green. The Angels were 47-49 headed into Friday, but only four games out of a wild-card spot. Trout played in three career playoff games in 2014. The Angels' 47 wins are the most for the franchise at the All-Star break since it had 49 in 2018. 'The team in there right now, we've got a great mindset,' he said. 'We've got a great group in there. We pass the baton at the plate. We're tough outs.' None tougher at his best than Trout. He's trying to become the 20th player in baseball history to hit his first 400 home runs with one franchise. 'This guy is a superstar,' Phillies manager Rob Thomson said. 'I saw him when he first came up and he hit the ball as far as you could think. He runs down the first base line, it sounds like a horse, just big and strong and fast.' Gelston writes for the Associated Press.
Fox Sports
3 days ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Angels slugger Mike Trout is closing in on 400 homers, 1,000 RBIs with aim on the postseason
Associated Press PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Mike Trout arrived in Philadelphia in time to catch the unveiling of a new target in the deepest part of the ballpark -- the 2026 All-Star game logo, complete with the Liberty Bell in the center of the design. The Angels slugger has something to aim for in Philly. As a home run target? No, the oversized symbol that celebrates next year's All-Star game is raised well beyond the centerfield wall and out of reach to even Schwarbombs in Ashburn Alley, closer to the retired numbers on the bricks at Citizens Bank Park. As a potential destination for next season? Making the All-Star game is more on the nose for Trout, an 11-time selection who hasn't been picked to play for the American League since 2023. Yet each time Trout plays in Philadelphia, just over 40 miles from the slugger's New Jersey hometown, talk tends to drift from All-Star games, his injuries, his upcoming career milestones -- he's closing in on 400 homers and 1,000 RBIs -- or a rare Angels' push at the postseason, and lands right on the possibility he'll one day suit up for the Phillies. 'I hear it all the time,' Trout said with a laugh outside the Angels' clubhouse on Friday. 'Right now, I'm enjoying myself with this team in here. These guys come to the ballpark every day and play hard. It's hard not for me to see it, because I see it and hear it all the time.' He'll settle at least a crack at the 2026 All-Star Game. 'It would definitely mean a lot,' Trout said. Trout entered the start of a three-game series against the Phillies having the kind of season that has defined most of his last five seasons in California. When he's healthy, he's on. He has a .283 batting average, .433 on-base percentage and .478 slugging percentage with eight home runs and 23 RBIs in 41 games since he came off the injured list on May 30. Otherwise, it's more stints on the IL. This season, he was hampered by a bone bruise on his left knee that cost him time. Trout was the designated hitter on Friday night against the NL East champion Phillies, who could certainly use a right-handed bat with pop in the outfield as they make their own playoff run. He did some light pregame work in the outfield ('get my feet under me') and hoped he'd return to right field in the near future. Trout said his knee did feel 'a lot better' after four days off and off his feet over the All-Star break. 'I'm just happy to be in the lineup, contributing,' he said. 'Years past, it's just come to the ballpark, not be able to at least hit. That's been frustrating, that's been tough.' He again expected a full house of fans from his hometown of Millville, New Jersey, on hand to root him on as the three-time AL MVP started the game with 395 career home runs and 995 career RBIs. 'To think about it, it's just how fast it's going,' Trout said. 'Just trying to enjoy every minute of it. The milestones are awesome. I'm looking forward to hopefully getting them.' Trout would have blown by those numbers years ago had it not been for his injuries that have allowed him play more than 82 games only once since 2019. 'Things happen,' he said. There are no guarantees he'll chip away at those numbers over the weekend -- Trout has never gone deep at Citizens Bank Park. The New Jersey native has kept his ties to the area as he blossomed into one of baseball's great sluggers; his family still lives in the area, he collaborated with Tiger Woods on a new golf course, and yes, the Eagles season-ticket holder still bleeds Kelly green. The Angels were 47-49 headed into Friday, but only four games out of a wild-card spot. Trout played in three career playoff games in 2014. Los Angeles' 47 wins are the most for the franchise at the All-Star break since it had 49 in 2018. 'The team in there right now, we've got a great mindset,' he said. 'We've got a great group in there. We pass the baton at the plate. We're tough outs.' None tougher at his best than Trout. He's trying to become the 20th player in baseball history to hit his first 400 home runs with one franchise. 'This guy is a superstar,' Phillies manager Rob Thomson said. 'I saw him when he first came up and he hit the ball as far as you could think. He runs down the first base line, it sounds like a horse, just big and strong and fast.' ___ AP MLB: recommended Item 1 of 3
Hamilton Spectator
3 days ago
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Angels slugger Mike Trout is closing in on 400 homers, 1,000 RBIs with aim on the postseason
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Mike Trout arrived in Philadelphia in time to catch the unveiling of a new target in the deepest part of the ballpark — the 2026 All-Star game logo, complete with the Liberty Bell in the center of the design. The Angels slugger has something to aim for in Philly. As a home run target? No, the oversized symbol that celebrates next year's All-Star game is raised well beyond the centerfield wall and out of reach to even Schwarbombs in Ashburn Alley, closer to the retired numbers on the bricks at Citizens Bank Park. As a potential destination for next season? Making the All-Star game is more on the nose for Trout, an 11-time selection who hasn't been picked to play for the American League since 2023. Yet each time Trout plays in Philadelphia, just over 40 miles from the slugger's New Jersey hometown , talk tends to drift from All-Star games, his injuries, his upcoming career milestones — he's closing in on 400 homers and 1,000 RBIs — or a rare Angels' push at the postseason, and lands right on the possibility he'll one day suit up for the Phillies. 'I hear it all the time,' Trout said with a laugh outside the Angels' clubhouse on Friday. 'Right now, I'm enjoying myself with this team in here. These guys come to the ballpark every day and play hard. It's hard not for me to see it, because I see it and hear it all the time.' He'll settle at least a crack at the 2026 All-Star Game. 'It would definitely mean a lot,' Trout said. Trout entered the start of a three-game series against the Phillies having the kind of season that has defined most of his last five seasons in California. When he's healthy, he's on. He has a .283 batting average, .433 on-base percentage and .478 slugging percentage with eight home runs and 23 RBIs in 41 games since he came off the injured list on May 30. Otherwise, it's more stints on the IL. This season, he was hampered by a bone bruise on his left knee that cost him time. Trout was the designated hitter on Friday night against the NL East champion Phillies, who could certainly use a right-handed bat with pop in the outfield as they make their own playoff run. He did some light pregame work in the outfield ('get my feet under me') and hoped he'd return to right field in the near future. Trout said his knee did feel 'a lot better' after four days off and off his feet over the All-Star break. 'I'm just happy to be in the lineup, contributing,' he said. 'Years past, it's just come to the ballpark, not be able to at least hit. That's been frustrating, that's been tough.' He again expected a full house of fans from his hometown of Millville, New Jersey, on hand to root him on as the three-time AL MVP started the game with 395 career home runs and 995 career RBIs. 'To think about it, it's just how fast it's going,' Trout said. 'Just trying to enjoy every minute of it. The milestones are awesome. I'm looking forward to hopefully getting them.' Trout would have blown by those numbers years ago had it not been for his injuries that have allowed him play more than 82 games only once since 2019. 'Things happen,' he said. There are no guarantees he'll chip away at those numbers over the weekend — Trout has never gone deep at Citizens Bank Park. The New Jersey native has kept his ties to the area as he blossomed into one of baseball's great sluggers; his family still lives in the area, he collaborated with Tiger Woods on a new golf course, and yes, the Eagles season-ticket holder still bleeds Kelly green. The Angels were 47-49 headed into Friday, but only four games out of a wild-card spot. Trout played in three career playoff games in 2014. Los Angeles' 47 wins are the most for the franchise at the All-Star break since it had 49 in 2018. 'The team in there right now, we've got a great mindset,' he said. 'We've got a great group in there. We pass the baton at the plate. We're tough outs.' None tougher at his best than Trout. He's trying to become the 20th player in baseball history to hit his first 400 home runs with one franchise. 'This guy is a superstar,' Phillies manager Rob Thomson said. 'I saw him when he first came up and he hit the ball as far as you could think. He runs down the first base line, it sounds like a horse, just big and strong and fast.' ___ AP MLB:
