Epstein’s Birthday Book Sparks Fresh Trump and Mandelson Controversy
A new trove of documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein has been released by US lawmakers, and at the center of it is a so-called “birthday book” created for Epstein’s 50th birthday back in 2003. This scrapbook, compiled by his longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell, has drawn attention because it contains personal notes and messages from some of the most recognizable figures in politics and business.
Among the most headline-grabbing inclusions is a note allegedly from Donald Trump. The page features a crude sketch of a woman’s body with a message ending, “Happy Birthday – and may every day be another wonderful secret.” Trump, who was once friendly with Epstein but later claimed to have cut ties in the early 2000s, has strongly denied authoring the note. The White House has gone further, insisting the handwriting and drawing were not his and that the story is being politicized. Trump himself has already launched a $10 billion lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal for first reporting on the note back in July.
The book also contains a message from former President Bill Clinton that describes Epstein as having a “childlike curiosity.” A Clinton spokesperson has reiterated that, while Clinton did know Epstein socially, he had no knowledge of the financier’s crimes.
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Perhaps even more surprising to British audiences is the discovery of a warm, even playful message from Lord Peter Mandelson, currently the UK ambassador to the United States and a former Labour cabinet minister. Mandelson’s contribution describes Epstein as his “best pal” and refers to spending time in Epstein’s homes, even using light-hearted phrases like “yum yum” to describe the gatherings. Pictures of Mandelson accompany the text, and the tone has fueled criticism, given Epstein’s later conviction and the notoriety of his network.
Mandelson’s office has responded by stressing his regret at ever having been introduced to Epstein, saying he wishes he had never met him. UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting has also commented, suggesting that while the ambassador’s association looks uncomfortable, guilt should not be assumed by proximity, and the focus should remain on justice for Epstein’s victims.
The release of these files follows a subpoena issued by the House Oversight Committee, which demanded documents from Epstein’s estate. Alongside the birthday book, almost three decades of Epstein’s address book entries and a copy of his controversial 2007 non-prosecution agreement with US prosecutors were made public.
For Democrats, the Trump note has become a symbol of alleged dishonesty, with Representative Robert Garcia accusing the president of lying when he previously denied its existence. Republicans, meanwhile, have dismissed the release as selective and politically motivated, insisting their priority is to uncover the full truth about Epstein’s crimes and bring accountability for survivors.
Epstein’s “birthday book,” once a private scrapbook of glowing tributes from the powerful, has now become yet another flashpoint—reviving scrutiny of old relationships, exposing awkward associations, and deepening political divisions on both sides of the Atlantic.
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