Trump and Epstein moved in the same social circles in New York and Palm Beach in the 1990s and early 2000s.
US President Donald Trump issued a strong denial of any connection to Jeffrey Epstein, saying he had been “totally exonerated” and insisting he had no involvement with the convicted sex offender.
“I have nothing to hide. I have been exonerated. I have nothing to do with Jeffrey Epstein,” Trump said.
His remarks come after the recent release of Epstein-related files by the US Department of Justice, which has renewed scrutiny of the late financier’s links with prominent political and business figures. The department published more than 3 million additional pages, including 2,000 videos and 180,000 images. In total, nearly 3.5 million pages have been officially released.
Trump’s Ties With Epstein
Trump and Epstein moved in the same social circles in New York and Palm Beach in the 1990s and early 2000s. They were photographed together at several events and Epstein was known to have visited Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort during that period. In a 2002 interview with New York Magazine, Trump described Epstein as a “terrific guy” and said he liked beautiful women “on the younger side”.
Trump Says He Cut Ties With Epstein
Trump has repeatedly said he later distanced himself from Epstein. He has stated that Epstein was barred from Mar-a-Lago in the mid-2000s, reportedly following a dispute and concerns about his behaviour. Their relationship is also believed to have soured around 2004, when the two competed to purchase the same oceanfront property in Palm Beach, which Trump ultimately acquired. Trump has never been criminally charged in connection with Epstein’s trafficking case.
