Trump Demands Epstein Files Be Released to Refute 'Fake' Letter in Explosive New Twist

President Donald Trump has directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to seek the release of grand jury testimony from Jeffrey Epstein's sex-trafficking case, responding to a Wall Street Journal report alleging he contributed a suggestive letter to Epstein's 50th birthday album in 2003.

Trump's move on 17 July aims to counter the claims, which he calls a 'hoax', amid growing political fallout.

Trump's Call for Transparency

Following a Wall Street Journal article on 18 July 2025, Trump announced on Truth Social, 'Based on the ridiculous amount of publicity given to Jeffrey Epstein, I have asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to produce all pertinent Grand Jury testimony, subject to Court approval.'

Bondi responded swiftly, stating on X, 'We are ready to move the court tomorrow to unseal the grand jury transcripts.'

The directive came hours after the Journal reported a 'bawdy' letter, allegedly from Trump, featuring a hand-drawn silhouette of a naked woman and a typewritten note ending, 'Happy Birthday – and may every day be another wonderful secret.'

Trump denied authorship, calling it a 'fake' and threatening to sue the Journal, News Corp, and Rupert Murdoch.

The Controversial Letter and Denials

The Wall Street Journal also reported that the letter, part of a 2003 birthday album compiled by Ghislaine Maxwell, included a typewritten exchange: 'Donald: We have certain things in common, Jeffrey. Jeffrey: Yes, we do, come to think of it.'

The Journal noted it was examined by Justice Department officials during Epstein's investigation but could not confirm how it was prepared. Trump told the WSJ on 15 July, 'This is not me. This is a fake thing.'

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on 17 July, 'The WSJ refused to show us the letter and conceded they don't even have it in their possession.'

X posts from @ginamilan_ on 17 July said, 'Trump doubled down on claims that the Epstein files were heavily tampered with by Comey and others.'

The controversy has reignited scrutiny of Trump's past association with Epstein, a convicted sex offender who died by suicide in 2019.

Political Fallout and Broader Context

Trump's directive follows weeks of pressure from his base and allies, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and former Vice President Mike Pence, who on 16 July told Yahoo News, 'The time has come for the administration to release all of the files.'

A Justice Department and FBI review, released in July 2025, found no evidence of an Epstein 'client list' or murder, prompting backlash from supporters burning MAGA hats.

Representative Dan Goldman, on 17 July, dismissed Bondi's move, stating, 'What about videos, photographs and other recordings?'

The Washington Post reported on 18 July that congressional Democrats are delaying Trump's £6.7 billion ($9 billion) spending cut package to push for more Epstein file releases.

The move, met with Bondi's pledge to act, has intensified political tensions, with allies and critics demanding broader transparency.

The grand jury testimony, if unsealed, may not directly address the letter, as it pertains to Epstein's investigations from 2006 to 2019.

As legal and public scrutiny mount, the outcome of Trump's directive and lawsuit threat remains uncertain.