quote:

Originally posted by Magine Enigam:
This is hard to believe legit:

https://youtube.com/shorts/SVx...?si=TDxTL8MWQampsLuA

Massie Promises Epstein Transparency

quote:

### Historical Relationship Between Trump and Epstein

Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein were social acquaintances in elite New York and Palm Beach circles from the late 1980s through the early 2000s, a period spanning roughly 15 years. Their interactions were primarily social, involving parties, events, and shared flights on Epstein's private jet. Trump has acknowledged knowing Epstein "like everybody in Palm Beach knew him," but he has repeatedly described the relationship as superficial and ended it around 2004 due to Epstein's behavior. Epstein, however, described Trump as his "closest friend for 10 years" in a 2019 interview, a claim echoed by associates like model Stacey Williams and former Trump casino executive Jack O'Donnell.

Key documented interactions include:
- **1980s–1990s Socializing**: Photos and videos show them together at events, such as a 1992 Mar-a-Lago party with young women (described by Trump as a "calendar girl" competition), the 1993 opening of the Harley Davidson Cafe in New York (with Trump's children Ivanka and Eric present), and Trump's 1993 wedding to Marla Maples at the Plaza Hotel, where Epstein attended.
- **Flights on Epstein's Jet**: Flight logs from Epstein's planes (unsealed in Ghislaine Maxwell's 2021 trial) list Trump as a passenger at least seven times between 1993 and 1997, mostly short trips between Palm Beach and New York. No logs show Trump visiting Epstein's private island, Little St. James.
- **Public Praise**: In a 2002 New York Magazine profile, Trump called Epstein a "terrific guy" he'd known for 15 years, adding, "It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side." No evidence indicates Trump knew of Epstein's criminal activities at the time.
- **Epstein's Black Book**: Epstein's address book, seized by authorities, included Trump's name and contact details, alongside other high-profile figures.

Their relationship ended amid a reported falling out around 2004–2007. Trump has given varying explanations: a 2004 bidding war over a Palm Beach mansion (which Trump won for $41 million), Epstein "stealing" young women from Mar-a-Lago's spa staff, or Epstein harassing a member's daughter. Mar-a-Lago records show Epstein remained a member until October 2007, but Trump banned him after learning of his misconduct. By 2008, Trump told reporters he was "not a fan" of Epstein. No evidence shows communication after 2004.

### Epstein's Criminal Saga and Trump's Peripheral Role

Epstein's sex trafficking operation, involving the abuse of underage girls, came under investigation starting in 2005. He pleaded guilty in 2008 to state charges in Florida, serving 13 months with work release. Federal charges followed in 2019, but Epstein died by suicide in jail. Ghislaine Maxwell was convicted in 2021 for procuring victims.

Trump's name appears in Epstein-related files, but not as a suspect or participant in crimes:
- **Mentions in Files**: In May 2025, Attorney General Pam Bondi briefed Trump that his name appeared multiple times in unreleased Epstein investigative documents (per Wall Street Journal reporting). These are likely hearsay or contextual references from the 1990s–2000s, as Epstein investigations often documented broad social networks. The July 2025 Justice Department memo stated no "client list" or blackmail evidence existed, and nothing justified investigating third parties like Trump.
- **Cooperation with Authorities**: In 2009, Trump voluntarily spoke with attorney Brad Edwards, representing Epstein's victims, providing useful information without indicating any wrongdoing. Edwards described Trump as "the only person who picked up the phone and said, ‘Let’s just talk. I’ll give you as much time as you want. I’ll tell you what you need to know’" and noted he was "very helpful." Trump also reportedly assisted Florida prosecutors in Epstein's 2008 case.
- **2025 File Release Controversy**: During his 2024 campaign, Trump promised to release Epstein files. After taking office, his administration released some (e.g., flight logs) but withheld others, citing child pornography and victim privacy. This sparked backlash from supporters expecting a "client list," leading to conspiracy theories. Bondi's memo confirmed no such list or blackmail evidence. Trump directed her to seek court release of grand jury testimony, but critics (including some Republicans like Reps. Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna) pushed for full disclosure. As of September 2025, no new incriminating details on Trump have emerged.

### Specific Allegations Against Trump

Several claims link Trump to Epstein's misconduct, but none have resulted in charges or been substantiated in court. Law enforcement has never accused Trump of wrongdoing related to Epstein.

- **Stacey Williams (1993)**: The former model alleged Epstein introduced her to Trump at Trump Tower, where Trump groped her (touching her breasts, waist, and buttocks) in Epstein's presence, describing it as a "twisted game." Epstein reportedly grew angry afterward. Trump's spokesperson denied it, calling it a "false story." Williams said Epstein mentioned Trump frequently, but provided no further evidence of joint crimes.
- **"Katie Johnson" Lawsuit (2016)**: An anonymous plaintiff ("Jane Doe") claimed Trump and Epstein raped her at age 13 during parties at Epstein's Manhattan home in 1994. The suit was filed twice but dropped before the election, citing threats. No corroboration emerged; it was dismissed as unsubstantiated.
- **Maria Farmer (1996/2006)**: An early Epstein victim told the FBI about a "disturbing" 1990s encounter with Trump at Epstein's office but provided no details of illegality. She reiterated in 2025 interviews that she had no evidence of Trump's criminal involvement.
- **Other Mentions**: A Maxwell trial witness ("Jane") said Epstein introduced her to Trump at age 14 at Mar-a-Lago in the 1990s; she accused no misconduct. Epstein's brother, Mark, claimed in July 2025 tapes that Epstein ended the friendship because Trump was a "crook," refuting Trump's denials. No underage victims have accused Trump of abuse in Epstein's network.

These allegations remain unproven, often based on recollections without physical evidence. Trump has denied all, and separate sexual misconduct claims against him (e.g., E. Jean Carroll) are unrelated to Epstein.

### Recent Developments (2025)

The Epstein saga resurfaced intensely in 2025 due to file-release tensions, amplifying scrutiny of Trump's past ties:
- **Birthday Book Letter (2003)**: Epstein's estate, subpoenaed by the House Oversight Committee, released a "birthday book" compiled by Maxwell for Epstein's 50th birthday. One page, bearing a signature resembling Trump's ("Donald"), includes a lewd script: a dialogue between "Donald" and "Jeffrey" about shared "secrets," with a hand-drawn image of breasts and the line, "May every day be another wonderful secret." Trump denied writing or drawing it, calling it a "fake" and threatening to sue the Wall Street Journal (which first reported it). Analyses by WSJ and NYT found the signature matches Trump's 1990s–2000s style (a loopy "Donald" without the full name). Democrats released the image on September 8, 2025; the White House called it a hoax.
- **Second Page Release (September 9, 2025)**: Democrats posted another book page joking about Epstein and a Mar-a-Lago member "selling" a "fully depreciated" woman to Trump for $22,500 via a novelty check. It's framed as humor, but critics see it as evidence of their banter about women.
- **Public and Political Reaction**: Elon Musk tweeted in June 2025 that Trump was "in the Epstein files," later deleting it without evidence. Victims' advocates and some Republicans demanded full releases. Trump deflected, blaming Democrats and media, while praising his administration's progress. House Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed in 2025 that Trump banned Epstein upon hearing rumors.

In summary, Trump's involvement is limited to a documented social friendship that ended before Epstein's 2005 investigation, with cooperation against him afterward. No credible evidence ties Trump to Epstein's crimes, though his name in files and recent document releases fuel speculation. Allegations persist but lack substantiation, and the 2025 file saga highlights unfulfilled transparency promises rather than new revelations. For full context, ongoing congressional subpoenas (e.g., to Maxwell) may yield more.

quote:

Originally posted by Steve Bertram:
Just because you bury it doesn't mean the stink is gone.

Didn't you say something about being judged by the company that you keep?

The hypocrisy on the right is astounding.

quote:

Originally posted by ledvm:

quote:

Originally posted by Steve Bertram:
Just because you bury it doesn't mean the stink is gone.

Didn't you say something about being judged by the company that you keep?

The hypocrisy on the right is astounding.

I am happy with my company.