Clinton note in Epstein files sparks fresh political debate

The House Oversight Committee has released new documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein, including a birthday book with purported messages from well-known political figures.

Fox News reported that the disclosure features entries attributed to former President Bill Clinton, President Donald Trump, and others, while also reviving questions about Epstein’s network of associations and the ongoing investigation into his crimes.

The files were made public late Monday and included material supplied by Epstein’s estate after being subpoenaed by Congress. Among the items was a so-called birthday book, prepared by Ghislaine Maxwell for Epstein’s 50th celebration.

Epstein Book Features Political Figures

One of the most notable entries in the book was attributed to Clinton, offering words of praise for Epstein. Also included were notes said to be from Trump and legal scholar Alan Dershowitz, though their authenticity has been disputed.

Trump’s legal team rejected the entry bearing his name and called it fabricated. “As I have said all along, it’s very clear President Trump did not draw this picture, and he did not sign it,” spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said, adding that his lawyers would continue litigation on the matter.

House Speaker Mike Johnson also questioned the validity of the alleged Trump message, stating, “I’m told that it’s fake.”

Personal Messages And Photos Found

The documents also contained photographs and private letters. Among them were personal notes from Epstein’s mother, Pauline Stolofsky Epstein, expressing pride in her son and recalling moments from his childhood.

“Jeff, you have been a good son since day one and we have been proud of you ever since,” one letter read. In another, she apologized that Epstein’s father could not witness his accomplishments.

Photos in the collection showed Epstein with a novelty-sized check that appeared to bear Trump’s signature, further fueling speculation about the nature of their ties.

Dershowitz Entry Offers A Twist

Dershowitz’s note in the book was written with humor. He claimed to have persuaded a magazine to shift its attention away from Epstein and toward Clinton, even providing an excerpt as part of the birthday gesture.

The entry read, “Dear Jeffrey, as a birthday gift to you, I managed to obtain an early version of the Vanity Unfair article. I talked them into changing the focus from you to Bill Clinton, as you will see from the enclosed excerpt. Happy birthday and best regards.”

This particular message underscored the odd mix of satire and intimacy found throughout the book, adding to the intrigue surrounding the release.

Committee Expands Scope Of Probe

Beyond the birthday book, the committee unveiled Epstein’s last will, an address book, and details surrounding his 2007-2008 non-prosecution agreement. That deal allowed him to avoid significant prison time despite allegations of abuse involving minors.

Chairman James Comer criticized Democrats for focusing selectively on documents, particularly those that included Trump’s name, without addressing the broader trove of information. He argued that such tactics undermined transparency.

“It’s appalling Democrats on the Oversight Committee are cherry-picking documents and politicizing information received from the Epstein Estate today,” Comer said. He emphasized that Republicans intended to pursue additional Epstein bank records.

Debate Over Political Motives

Comer further noted that Trump has not been accused of any wrongdoing in relation to the documents. He stressed that the committee’s investigation was aimed at accountability and justice for Epstein’s victims, rather than political gain.

“President Trump is not accused of any wrongdoing and Democrats are ignoring the new information the Committee received today,” Comer said. He added that lawmakers must choose whether their focus is justice for survivors or partisan politics.

The release also comes ahead of a rescheduled closed-door deposition with former Attorney General Loretta Lynch, signaling that congressional scrutiny of Epstein’s ties and the handling of his cases is far from over.