The scandal fuels existing public skepticism, with 72% of Americans believing the government is hiding information about Epstein's clients. (Image: BBC)
The White House has launched a fierce counteroffensive against allegations surrounding a newly released letter purportedly signed by former President Donald Trump and addressed to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. With the controversy growing into a serious political risk, the administration has denied the letter’s authenticity and even offered to back a forensic review to prove it was forged.
Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives on Monday released a letter, written more than 20 years ago, that appears in a birthday book for Jeffrey Epstein. The document features a sketch of a woman's body and a note about "secrets." The release has ignited a firestorm, forcing the White House to address the long-standing connection between Trump and Epstein, who were friends before the financier's death but had a documented falling out years prior.
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The White House response was immediate and unequivocal. President Trump's spokeswoman, Karoline Leavitt, addressed reporters on Tuesday to issue a firm denial. "The president did not write this letter. He did not sign this letter," she stated. Going a step further, Leavitt announced that the White House “would support a forensic analysis of the signature” to conclusively prove that it is not authentic. This action suggests a bold and assertive plan to end the story.
The controversy lands amidst deep public skepticism about the Epstein case. A new Reuters/Ipsos poll completed on Tuesday reveals that a significant majority of Americans suspect a government cover-up:
Both figures have increased slightly since a similar survey in July, indicating growing public doubt.
The poll reveals a complex political picture. On one hand, the issue remains a clear vulnerability. Only 17% of the overall public approves of Trump's handling of the Epstein matter. However, there is a notable bright spot for the president within his own party. Republican respondents' approval of his handling of the matter increased significantly from 35% in July to 44%. This suggests his base is consolidating around him despite the allegations.
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The response has fallen along starkly partisan lines. Leavitt accused Democrats of acting in bad faith, claiming, “Republicans in the Trump Department of Justice have done more in terms of transparency... than any prior administration.” She asserted that Democrats are “desperately trying to concoct a hoax to smear the president of the United States.”
However, the effort for transparency is not exclusively Democratic. Four Republicans in the House of Representatives have signed a bipartisan petition seeking to force the Trump administration to release all documents related to Epstein, indicating that pressure is coming from both sides of the aisle.
