The White House has agreed to a forensic examination of a letter allegedly signed by former US President Donald Trump and presented to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This decision comes after aides to Trump claimed the signature on the letter is not authentic. The letter, which surfaced in a birthday book for Epstein, includes a sketch of a woman’s body and a note referencing secrets.
The issue gained traction when the US House of Representatives publicly released the letter, dated over 20 years ago. Although Trump and Epstein were acquaintances prior to Trump’s presidency, their relationship deteriorated years before Epstein’s death in 2019. Trump has categorically denied writing or signing the letter in question.
On Tuesday, Karoline Leavitt, a spokeswoman for the president, reaffirmed Trump’s claims. “The president did not write this letter. He did not sign this letter,” she stated, indicating the administration’s support for the signature analysis to confirm Trump’s position. The letter’s release has reignited discussions around Epstein’s notorious past and Trump’s connections to him, despite the president’s calls for supporters to move on from the topic.
Strong public interest persists in the Epstein case, as a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll revealed that 65 percent of respondents believe the government is concealing information regarding Epstein’s 2019 death, which was officially ruled a suicide. Furthermore, 72 percent of those surveyed suspect that details surrounding Epstein’s client list are being withheld. These figures reflect a slight increase from a similar poll conducted in July.
Despite the controversy, the survey, which included 1,084 adults, indicated a silver lining for Trump. Approval among Republican respondents regarding his handling of the Epstein situation rose to 44 percent, up from 35 percent in July. However, overall public approval for Trump’s approach to the issue remains low, with only 17 percent expressing satisfaction.
Leavitt accused Democratic lawmakers of attempting to undermine the president by emphasizing the Epstein connection. “Republicans in the Trump Department of Justice have done more in terms of transparency when it comes to the Epstein case than any prior administration,” she argued.
As the forensic analysis of the letter proceeds, the implications for Trump and the ongoing scrutiny surrounding Epstein’s connections with powerful figures continue to unfold, illustrating the lasting impact of Epstein’s actions on American political discourse.
