WASHINGTON — Former President Donald Trump has called for the release of more documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
This came shortly after The Wall Street Journal published an article referencing a 2003 birthday letter with Trump’s name included in Epstein’s birthday album.
Trump’s Response
In a Thursday night social media post, Trump said he directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to:
“Produce any and all pertinent Grand Jury testimony, subject to Court approval!”
Bondi later confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that she would ask a court on Friday to unseal those transcripts.
Background on the Epstein Case
Releasing Epstein-related files has been a key demand among Trump’s allies—especially during the Biden administration and the 2024 presidential campaign.
Trump had previously promised more transparency and claimed he would release additional details.
However, the Justice Department recently stated in a memo that:
- No Epstein “client list” exists
- No more documents warrant public disclosure
This announcement angered many within Trump’s base, who have long accused the government of covering up information related to Epstein, who died by suicide in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
Fallout and Firings
Some of Trump’s supporters have demanded that Pam Bondi resign over the perceived lack of progress.
Trump, however, continues to support her.
Adding fuel to the fire, the DOJ recently fired federal prosecutor Maurene Comey, daughter of former FBI Director James Comey.
Maurene Comey had previously asked a federal judge not to release certain Epstein records, citing potential interference with any retrials of Ghislaine Maxwell.
The judge denied her request.
Trump Targets Media
Trump also lashed out at The Wall Street Journal for publishing the birthday letter story.
He called the article:
“False, malicious, and defamatory.”
He further claimed he would sue the Journal, its parent company News Corp, and Rupert Murdoch.
A News Corp spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment.
Details of the WSJ Report
The WSJ article stated that Epstein’s aide, Ghislaine Maxwell, compiled letters from friends and associates for his birthday album.
The letter attributed to Trump was printed on a page featuring a hand-drawn outline of a naked woman.
It ended with the words:
“Happy Birthday—and may every day be another wonderful secret.”
Trump has denied writing the letter and called it a “FAKE.”
Reactions
Trump claimed he warned both Rupert Murdoch and WSJ Editor-in-Chief Emma Tucker that the letter was inauthentic before the article went public.
Tucker declined to comment.
Support and Skepticism
Vice President JD Vance slammed the WSJ article, calling it:
“Complete and utter bull—.”
He questioned why the letter was not shown before publication.
Elon Musk, who has publicly clashed with Trump, also doubted the letter’s authenticity. He argued that the language did not match Trump’s usual tone.
Musk had previously suggested Trump’s name appeared in the Epstein files—a claim he later deleted.
Democratic Criticism
Democrats quickly seized on the controversy.
Rep. Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.) said:
“I think we now know EXACTLY why Donald Trump refuses to release the Epstein files.”
