President Donald Trump wrote sex offender and disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein a note in a signed copy of Trump’s book in October 1997, calling him “the greatest,” The New York Times reports.

Newsweek reached out to the White House via email Thursday night for comment.

Why It Matters

Trump’s alleged connection to a leather-bound birthday book compiled for Jeffrey Epstein in 2003 has reignited debate and legal battles about the extent of relationships between high-profile individuals and Epstein, the disgraced financier. Epstein’s circle—including influential fellow financiers, scientists and politicians—has remained a topic of public and political scrutiny since his arrest and subsequent 2019 death in a New York City jail cell.

Pressure mounted for the Trump administration to release files connected to Epstein after U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi reportedly informed the president that his name was included in documents related to the investigation of the sex offender. The Trump administration attempted to disclose grand jury transcripts but was later denied by a federal judge.

What To Know

According to the Times report, Trump’s name also appears on a list as a contributor for Epstein’s 2003 birthday book.

The Times said it reviewed the list, which included names like Leslie H. Wexner, the former owner of Victoria’s Secret, and Wall Street executive Alan C. Greenberg. There was an introductory letter for the book written by Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s former girlfriend who’s serving a 20-year prison term, according to the outlet.

Trump has filed a defamation lawsuit against the The Wall Street Journal this month after the paper reported Trump allegedly signed a sexually suggestive drawing for Epstein’s birthday book.

The president took to Truth Social, saying, “The Wall Street Journal printed a FAKE letter, supposedly to Epstein. These are not my words, not the way I talk. Also, I don’t draw pictures. I told Rupert Murdoch it was a Scam, that he shouldn’t print this Fake Story. But he did, and now I’m going to sue his ass off, and that of his third rate newspaper. Thank you for your attention to this matter! DJT”

The Times reports that Trump had at least once before allegedly written a note to Epstein, in a signed copy of his book, Trump: The Art of the Comeback, saying, “To Jeff — You are the greatest!”

What People Are Saying

Trump posted to Truth Social on Thursday: “The Radical Left Democrats are doing everything in their power to distract and obfuscate from our GREAT six months of service to America, results of which many are saying is the BEST six months in Presidential history. They have gone absolutely CRAZY, and are playing another Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax but, this time, under the guise of what we will call the Jeffrey Epstein SCAM. As things are revealed and, I hope will take place quickly, you will see that it is yet another Democrat CON JOB. Hopefully, the Grand Jury Files will put an end to this HOAX. Everyone should see what is there, but people who are innocent should not be hurt. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”

Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky posted to X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday: “The Speaker of the House recessed Congress early yesterday for a month to avoid dealing with the Epstein issue. Mr. Speaker, the American people won’t forget. My legislation isn’t going away. It’ll be right here when we return and I’ll force the vote using a discharge petition.”

Representative Ted Lieu, a California Democrat, posted to X on Tuesday: “Pictures. Videos. Plane logs. Weird quotes. Court pleadings. A creepy birthday card. Trump is all over the Epstein Files.”

What Happens Next

Lawmakers continue pressing for the release of investigative files related to Epstein’s associates, though federal grand jury material remains sealed.

Maxwell was interviewed by the Department of Justice on Thursday and interviews will continue into Friday, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said.

Update 7/24/25, 10:03 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.