Epstein Birthday Book Leaks Trump’s ‘Wonderful Secret’ Note Doodles, Denials and a Defamation Storm

A newly leaked document, purportedly a page from a birthday guest book for the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, has surfaced online, reigniting a fresh wave of controversy and legal threats. The page contains a handwritten note and doodles attributed to Donald J. Trump, which reference a “wonderful secret.” This has prompted an aggressive denial from the former president’s lawyers.

The image, which was leaked on a whistleblowing platform on Tuesday, allegedly comes from a leather-bound book that dates back to the late 1990s. The note, written in bold ink, reads: “Jeff, another fantastic year! To my dearest friend. Our wonderful secret is almost ready. All the best, Donald.”

Key Takeaways

• A page from what is claimed to be Jeffrey Epstein’s birthday guest book from the late 1990s has been leaked online.
• The page features a handwritten note attributed to Donald Trump, which references “that wonderful secret of ours.”
• Adjacent to the note are several doodles, reportedly depicting skyscrapers and a private jet.
• Mr. Trump’s legal team has called the document a forgery and threatened defamation lawsuits against media outlets reporting on it.

“Wonderful Secret” Note and Doodles Emerge

Alongside the message are several crude, hand-drawn sketches. Observers have described the doodles as depicting several tall buildings resembling skyscrapers and what appears to be a private jet. The authenticity of the Epstein birthday book and its contents has not been independently verified.

The leak comes as courts continue to process materials related to Epstein’s associates. The financier’s extensive network has been the subject of intense scrutiny, with numerous documents and flight logs having been unsealed over the years, as covered by outlets like the Financial Times.

Trump’s Legal Team Threatens Defamation Storm

Within hours of the document’s appearance, Mr. Trump’s legal team issued a statement dismissing the note and doodles as a “blatant and malicious forgery.” They announced their intention to pursue legal action against those publishing the material.

“We are putting all news organizations on notice: any entity that reports these fabricated claims as fact will be subject to a defamation lawsuit,” the statement read. “This is a politically motivated smear, and we will hold those responsible accountable.”

The High Bar for Libel Claims

Legal analysts observe that the bar for a public figure like Mr. Trump to win a defamation case is exceptionally high. Plaintiffs must typically demonstrate that the publisher acted with “actual malice”—meaning they either knew the information was false or acted with reckless disregard for its truthfulness.

A First Amendment specialist commented that threatening a lawsuit is often a tactic used to deter media coverage. However, whether they proceed and could succeed is a separate matter altogether.

Renewed Focus on Epstein’s Inner Circle

Regardless of the authenticity of the note or the outcome of any legal proceedings, the leak has refocused public attention on the nature of Epstein’s relationships with influential individuals. The U.S. Department of Justice continues to encourage victims of Epstein’s trafficking ring to come forward.

The revelation of the Epstein birthday book page serves as a stark reminder of the enduring impact of the case and the possibility of new, contentious information emerging.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)