Trump and Epstein had a relationship, but there’s no evidence of Trump wrongdoing.

Question

New #FactChecker --> Trump and Epstein had a relationship, but there’s no evidence of Trump wrongdoing wapo.st/3TOthiB

Answer 1

This claim is true, but it is important to note that lack of evidence does not mean proof of innocence. Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein had a social relationship in the 1990s and early 2000s, including attending events together and Trump flying on Epstein’s private jet multiple times. However, according to court documents and expert analysis, there is no evidence that implicates Trump in any criminal wrongdoing related to Epstein. While Trump is mentioned in several unsealed documents, including accusations that were later retracted, Politico confirmed that legal experts emphasize that these records neither incriminate nor exonerate him. Politico reported, "Although Trump is mentioned in some of these documents, the records provide neither a smoking gun that he was involved in wrongdoing nor that he was, as his supporters have claimed, 'cleared.'"

Answer 2

Yes, Trump and Epstein were close friends at one time, but there is also no evidence of Trump being involved in wrongdoings associated with Epstein. There are many photographs of the two together at parties and various events up until the early 2000s when the two "reportedly had a falling out after a competition to purchase a Palm Beach mansion" according to the Washington Post. Although Trump had previously called Epstein, his close friend, "a terrific guy" in a 2002 New York magazine, in 2019 after Epstein's arrest for sex trafficking he said he was "not a fan of his".  Their friendship seemed to end before Epstein's convictions and there is no evidence of Trump being apart of any of his allegations.

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/the-facts-and-timeline-of-trump-and-epsteins-falling-out

https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/timeline-trump-epsteins-relationship-trump-falling/story?id=124241038

Answer 3

It is true that there is no concrete evidence (that has been released) that Trump is guilty of any wrongdoing in connection to Epstein or Epstein island. The source of the suspicion on the matter is rather the president's clear reluctance to allow the publishing of the Epstein files, which include images and lists of many visitors to the island who are complicit in Epstein's abusive behavior. This reluctance, in the public eye, makes him appear guilty. There is also no evidence that he hasn't done anything -- until more information is released, it is impossible to make a credible statement about his involvement. According to BBC, what we do know is Trump is mentioned in several documents related to Epstein's conviction and what happened on his private island, but it is unknown what is said about his involvement. The two operated in similar social circles and were close friends for years.  According to the New York Times, in 2003, Trump gave a letter with a birthday greeting to Epstein, including sexually suggestive drawing of a naked woman and a reference to secrets the two men shared. The White House has denied that Mr. Trump drew or signed the note to Mr. Epstein.  

All of that said, while it is clear the two men knew each other well and both have been accused or convicted of sexual misconduct, there is no concrete, public evidence of Trump's involvement in the atrocities of Epstein island. 

Info about Trump being mentioned in documents: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c20r07dg6kro

Info about the two men's friendship: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/17/us/politics/timeline-trump-epstein.html