The release of Jeffrey Epstein’s 50th birthday scrapbook has intensified questions over the late financier’s powerful connections and whether his abuse of women and girls was widely known among his circle of wealthy allies. Compiled by Ghislaine Maxwell, the book contains letters heavy with sexual innuendo, including one alleged message from Donald Trump. The revelations have revived debates about Epstein’s network and the secrecy still surrounding key documents.
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Birthday Book Revelation
House Democrats released the scrapbook this week, compiled by Epstein’s long-time associate Ghislaine Maxwell. It includes suggestive letters, crude cartoons, and sexualized imagery, raising new concerns about Epstein’s circle of influence. One letter, attributed to Donald Trump, was typed over the image of a naked torso and read: “We have certain things in common, Jeffrey,” adding, “every day be another wonderful secret.”
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Alleged Trump Connection
The scrapbook also features a photo of Epstein with a $22,500 check signed “DJ Trump,” accompanied by text claiming Epstein had “early talents with money + women.” Trump is listed under the “friends” section alongside Bill Clinton, Alan Dershowitz, and model scout Jean-Luc Brunel. Trump has strongly denied any link to Epstein’s crimes, filing a $10bn lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal for reporting on a similar note earlier this year.
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Other Powerful Names
Beyond Trump, the book includes handwritten notes and cartoons referencing sexual exploitation, as well as explicit illustrations dated from 1983 to 2003. Maxwell also listed Brunel as a friend, a man accused of supplying young girls to Epstein. Brunel was later arrested in France on rape charges and died in custody in 2020. The collection suggests that many prominent men maintained ties with Epstein even after troubling allegations surfaced.
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Industry Whispers Of Abuse
Former model Carré Otis said she never met Epstein but “definitely knew his name” from whispered warnings in the modeling industry. “There was a sort of playbook of who to avoid,” she recalled, describing how young women warned each other about abusive men. Otis said powerful men often exploited models and aspiring actresses, adding: “It was more normal than not for wealthy, powerful men to behave that way.”
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Firsthand Accounts Surface
Stacey Williams, a former model who dated Epstein briefly in 1993, said he and Trump “were very close friends.” She described Epstein’s constant references to Trump and recalled an incident in which Trump groped her at Trump Tower. According to Williams, Epstein reacted not with surprise but by asking, “Why did you let him do that?” Her account has intensified calls from survivors for transparency about Epstein’s files.
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Survivors Demand Transparency
Williams criticized Trump for failing to release Epstein-related documents despite campaign promises. “Epstein survivors are asking for transparency and justice,” she said. Survivors argue that while victims have spoken publicly, the names of perpetrators remain shielded. The release of the scrapbook has renewed frustrations over secrecy and accountability, especially with thousands of unreleased documents still held by Trump’s Justice Department.
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Political Fallout Widens
The revelations have affected others beyond Trump. Peter Mandelson, once UK ambassador to the US, was dismissed over his friendship with Epstein. The book shows Mandelson calling Epstein his “best pal” and offering encouragement during Epstein’s 2008 conviction. Mandelson told Epstein, “Your friends stay with you and love you,” further exposing the depth of connections Epstein held among global elites.