In a recent press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt firmly stated that Donald Trump did not sign a birthday letter to Jeffrey Epstein, a claim that has stirred considerable media attention.
White House Maintains Trump Did Not Sign Epstein Birthday Letter
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated that Donald Trump did not sign a birthday letter to Jeffrey Epstein, a copy of which was published by The Wall Street Journal.
Trump’s Firm Denial
During a press briefing on Tuesday, Leavitt stated, “Trump did not write that letter. He did not sign those documents. He maintains that position, and that position will be argued in court by his lawyers. The president is very confident he is going to win this case.”
Details of the Lawsuit
This case involves Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit against the Journal, Rupert Murdoch, and others. The Journal has drawn comparisons between Trump’s signature on the Epstein letter and letters sent to George Conway and Hillary Clinton around the same time. Notably, the Journal pointed out that, similar to the Epstein letter, Trump signed only his first name in the other letters, using a comparable signature style and bold serif lettering.
Background of the Letter
The letter was part of a book presented to Epstein in 2003 to commemorate his 50th birthday and included messages from various notable figures, including Alan Dershowitz and former President Bill Clinton. Trump’s signature appears alongside typewritten text within a drawing of a woman’s body, with the name “Donald” placed to resemble pubic hair.
Legal Actions and Responses
When the Journal reported on the letter in July, it included Trump’s denial; however, he subsequently filed a lawsuit, claiming that the letter was “non-existent.” Democrats from the House Oversight Committee released the letter after it was included in materials provided by the Epstein estate in response to a subpoena.
HERE IT IS: We got Trump’s birthday note to Jeffrey Epstein that the President said doesn’t exist.
Trump talks about a “wonderful secret” the two of them shared. What is he hiding? Release the files! pic.twitter.com/k2Mq8Hu3LY
— Oversight Dems (@OversightDems) September 8, 2025
Democrats have also highlighted another page from the “birthday book,” featuring a photo of Epstein and a Mar-a-Lago member holding an oversized check for $22,500 with Trump’s name on the signature line. Unlike the other letter, this signature is printed, and Leavitt asserted that it was not Trump’s. This entry discusses selling a “fully depreciated” woman to Trump for that amount.
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NEW PAGE FROM EPSTEIN’S BIRTHDAY BOOK: Epstein and a longtime Mar-a-Lago member joking about selling a “fully depreciated” woman to Donald Trump for $22,500. pic.twitter.com/iEMNSRX7X8
— Oversight Dems (@OversightDems) September 8, 2025
Leavitt was questioned by The New York Times’ Maggie Haberman regarding her assertion that the “Epstein documents are a hoax” perpetuated by Democrats against the president. She clarified, “I didn’t say the documents are a hoax. I said the entire narrative surrounding Jeffrey Epstein right now is a hoax being perpetuated by opportunistic Democrats.” She specifically mentioned Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), who held a press conference last week with Epstein’s victims, calling for a full release of Epstein documents.
Leavitt emphasized the need for clarity on what exactly is being labeled a hoax, stating, “What’s fake is not the document?” She accused Democrats of exploiting victims as “political props” to smear the president.
She concluded by stating that the White House would support a professional handwriting expert reviewing the signature.
Shifting Focus to Other Issues
Leavitt began the briefing by attempting to redirect reporters’ attention to the murder of a Ukrainian refugee, Iryna Zarutska, on a public transit train in Charlotte, NC, a case that has gained renewed attention following the release of video footage of the attack. The suspect, Decarlos Brown, has been charged with first-degree murder.
Leavitt accused media outlets of neglecting this story, although it has been covered by national outlets including CNN, PBS, and CBS News in recent days.
