What We Know So Far About Trump and Clinton’s Names in Epstein’s Birthday Album

WSJ Report Ignites Controversy

On July 24, 2025, The Wall Street Journal reported that a leather-bound birthday book compiled for Jeffrey Epstein’s 50th birthday in 2003 included personal notes from prominent figures, including Bill Clinton and current U.S. President Donald Trump.

According to the WSJ, both Clinton and Trump were categorized as “friends” in the album, which was assembled by Epstein’s longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell. Clinton’s message was thoughtful and reflective, stating:

Trump’s inclusion in the album reportedly involved a bawdy letter and a sexually explicit marker-drawn image of a nude woman. However, the WSJ noted the origins of those items were unclear and did not confirm whether Trump personally created or approved them.

NYT Confirms Trump’s Name — But Publishes Maxwell’s Letter

Later that same day, The New York Times published its own investigation, confirming that President Trump’s name appeared in the Epstein birthday book. The Times also cited a 1997 inscription Trump made in a book gifted to Epstein, reading: “To Jeff — You are the greatest!”

A widely circulated letter featured in the Times article was written by Maxwell for Epstein’s birthday celebration.

The letter read: Jeffrey, The idea behind this book was simply to gather stories and old photographs to jog your memory about people and different events. Some of the letters will definitely achieve their intended goal—some well… you will have to read to see for yourself. I know you will enjoy looking through the book, and I hope you will derive as much pleasure looking through it as I did putting it together for you. Happy Happy Birthday! Have fun, Ghislaine

Trump Dismisses Story, Files Lawsuit

Reacting swiftly, President Trump called the stories “total fake news” and accused both outlets of conspiring to damage his reputation. On July 26, he filed a defamation lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida against The Wall Street Journal, its parent company News Corp, Dow Jones, Rupert Murdoch, CEO Robert Thomson, and the two reporters behind the WSJ article.

Trump’s legal filing accuses the Journal of acting with “actual malice,” publishing defamatory material either knowing it was false or with reckless disregard for the truth. The complaint seeks $20 billion in damages—$10 billion for each count of defamation.

“We have full confidence in the rigor and accuracy of our reporting and will vigorously defend against any lawsuit,” a spokesperson for Dow Jones said in response.

Legal Experts: Hurdles Ahead

As a public figure, President Trump faces the challenge of proving actual malice—a high standard in defamation law. Additionally, Politico reports that Trump’s legal team may have violated Florida’s pre-suit notification statute, which requires five days’ notice before filing. Sources say the Journal was only given two days’ warning.

The case has been assigned to Judge Darrin P. Gayles. If it proceeds to discovery, Trump may be compelled to provide records about his relationship with Epstein, a development likely to trigger further political fallout.

Epstein’s History Resurfaces

Epstein was first convicted in 2008 on state charges of soliciting prostitution, including from a minor, and served 13 months. In July 2019, he was arrested again on federal sex trafficking charges. He died in custody weeks later in what authorities labeled a suicide. Ghislaine Maxwell, his longtime confidante, was convicted in 2021 for trafficking underage girls to Epstein and his powerful associates.

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