The release of Jeffrey Epstein's so-called "birthday book" has turned into one of the biggest scandals of the year, and not only because it seems to confirm the existence of the message from Donald Trump. What began as a congressional document dump quickly turned into headline fodder once journalists found pages attributed to some of the world's most recognizable names, like former president Bill Clinton, and designer Vera Wang, as well as famous lawyers, investor and financiers
The 238-page scrapbook was reportedly put together in 2003 by Ghislaine Maxwell to mark Epstein's 50th birthday. It includes letters, notes, doodles, and what appear to be inside jokes from Epstein's social and business circles. On the surface, it looks like a party favor. In reality, it is a map of who had access to the financier at the height of his influence.
The entry attracting the most attention is a sexually charged drawing and birthday message said to be from Donald Trump. It spread across social media within hours of release, prompting supporters to claim it is fake and critics to point out how damaging the image could be in an election year. The message quickly became a political weapon, forcing Republicans to dismiss it while Democrats leaned in on the controversy.
Clinton, Wang and Others
Epstein's guest list went far beyond Trump. A letter from Clinton appears in the pages. The former President spokesperson repeated past denials that he knew of Epstein's crimes and insisted that Clinton cut ties long before the financier's arrest.
Fashion designer Vera Wang is also listed, as are billionaire financier Leon Black and retail magnate Leslie Wexner. The presence of such a diverse mix of names highlights the web Epstein built around money, power and prestige. For some, inclusion may have been nothing more than social politeness at the time, but in the shadow of Epstein's history it carries an entirely different weight.
How It Came Out
The book was released by the House Oversight Committee after being obtained by the transparency group Distributed Denial of Secrets. Major outlets like The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times quickly published excerpts. The public has seen flight logs, depositions, and financial records before, but this scrapbook is unique because it feels personal. Handwritten notes and playful drawings strip away the formality of politics and finance, leaving behind a raw document of who celebrated Epstein when he was still untouchable.
The day after its release, the fallout is clear. Trump's alleged note is leading cable news coverage and fueling memes online, although the White House insists that the letter is fake.
Clinton's letter is drawing fresh scrutiny despite years of statements distancing himself from Epstein. Vera Wang's mention has fashion watchers buzzing, and the financial names bring new questions about how much Epstein's wealth bought him access.
For victims and their advocates, the scrapbook is a painful reminder of how many powerful people circled Epstein and how few raised alarms. For politicians, it is a nightmare. The archives blur the line between social acquaintance and complicity, and in an election year every page is ammunition.
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