President Donald Trump is steering clear of comments about the letter to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein that House Democrats unveiled on Monday, labeling the matter a “dead issue.” Similar to other explosive stories connected to Epstein, this one has folks online debating if the former president’s past ties with Epstein will haunt him again.
“I don’t comment on something that’s a dead issue,” Trump told NBC News during a brief phone conversation on Tuesday morning. “I gave all comments to the staff. It’s a dead issue.”
What We Know About The Letter
Democrats on the House Oversight Committee shared an image on X of a provocative note Trump allegedly sent to Epstein for his 50th birthday. This letter was part of a larger set of documents released Monday, pulled from a subpoena the GOP-led committee issued to Epstein’s estate. The note raised eyebrows because of its tone and the bizarre imagery it contained.
The letter features a sketch of a naked woman with Trump’s first name written in the pubic area. It also includes a cartoon-style conversation between Trump and Epstein, with Trump supposedly writing, “We have certain things in common, Jeffrey.” It ends with another drawing of Trump stating, “A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret.”
White House officials quickly brushed off the letter, suggesting it shouldn’t be taken seriously. They argued the signature didn’t match Trump’s current handwriting. But critics pointed out how past versions of Trump’s signature do seem similar to what appeared on this letter. That’s why the debate keeps circulating across media platforms, despite Trump calling it “dead.”
Trump’s Legal Battles Around Epstein Allegations
Reported by The Wall Street Journal, the letter supposedly dates back to 2003. Trump isn’t new to Epstein-related scrutiny. Back in July, Trump actually sued The Wall Street Journal’s parent company, its publisher, and two reporters for defamation. The newspaper stood by its reporting, refusing to back down. That lawsuit is still in motion, and now this “birthday book” story only adds more fuel to the fire.
What makes this even more complicated is the political tension. Democratic lawmakers, alongside some Republicans, are pushing to force a vote that could make the Justice Department release additional files related to Epstein. That means this controversy is not going away any time soon, no matter how many times Trump calls it “dead.”
Political Fallout From The Epstein Files
Trump’s refusal to comment is a strategy. He wants to downplay the scandal and avoid adding more oxygen to the fire. But Democrats releasing this letter is a calculated political move. They know linking Trump to Epstein will spark headlines and keep voters paying attention. And since the Oversight Committee dropped this as part of a subpoena release, it gives the claims more weight.
For Republicans, the situation is sticky. Some want to distance themselves, while others say this is just another attempt by Democrats to smear Trump. But for the public, the disturbing details of Epstein’s history and the alleged letter have once again resurfaced. That keeps Trump’s past ties with Epstein in the spotlight right as the 2024 election season heats up.