Washington D.C. – July 19,2025
Thursday, July 17th, was a day of varied activity and renewed scrutiny for the Trump administration, featuring a White House press briefing, a presidential bill signing, and the resurfacing of a controversial connection to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Addresses Media
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt held a briefing with members of the media, addressing a range of topics that included the ongoing situation in Syria and the administration’s efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking. Leavitt defended the administration’s actions and policies, often engaging in sharp exchanges with reporters, particularly on the topic of media coverage. She notably criticized NPR and PBS, stating, “These are not honest news organizations.”
A significant portion of the briefing, however, was dominated by questions regarding the renewed controversy surrounding Jeffrey Epstein. Leavitt faced persistent inquiries about the administration’s decision not to release additional files related to the Epstein case, a stance that has alienated some of President Trump’s staunchest supporters. Leavitt insisted that the White House had no authority over the release of sealed documents, directing blame towards the Justice Department and the courts. She also addressed calls for a special prosecutor in the Epstein case, a suggestion that President Trump had previously entertained, but which Leavitt appeared to dismiss, stating that “the President would not recommend a special prosecutor in the Epstein case.” She maintained that the President supports transparency “if the attorney general and the Department of Justice comes across any other credible evidence.”
President Trump Signs “HALT Fentanyl Act”
Following the press briefing, President Trump participated in a bill signing ceremony at the White House for the “HALT Fentanyl Act.” The ceremony highlighted the administration’s focus on combating the opioid crisis and was presented as a victory for the administration’s efforts to address drug trafficking. “This Administration… Finally Hearing Our Cries,” the White House stated in a release accompanying the signing, emphasizing the perceived responsiveness of the current government to public concerns. The specific details of the bill’s provisions and its expected impact were also discussed, with the administration touting it as a critical step in curbing the influx of illicit fentanyl into the United States.
“Racy Birthday Letter” to Epstein Fuels New Controversy
Simultaneously, news broke about a “racy birthday letter” allegedly from Donald Trump to Jeffrey Epstein, which The Wall Street Journal reported to have reviewed. The letter, reportedly included in a 2003 album compiled by Ghislaine Maxwell for Epstein’s 50th birthday, was described as containing typewritten text framed by the outline of a hand-drawn naked woman, with the name “Donald” written below her waist, mimicking pubic hair. The Journal described the contents as akin to a “movie or TV script” exchange between Trump and Epstein, including lines such as “Donald: A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret.”
President Trump vehemently denied the authenticity of the letter, calling it “fake” and threatening to sue The Wall Street Journal. In a social media post, Trump stated, “These are not my words, not the way I talk. Also, I don’t draw pictures.” Vice President JD Vance also weighed in, criticizing The Wall Street Journal for publishing the report. The White House, through Press Secretary Leavitt, reiterated the President’s denial, stating that the President had directly informed the Journal’s editor, Emma Tucker, that the letter was a fabrication.
The re-emergence of Epstein-related content, particularly one allegedly involving the President, has reignited scrutiny and fueled further public discussion about Trump’s past associations. The White House’s efforts to dismiss the letter as a fabrication and deflect questions regarding Epstein files indicate a clear strategy to move past the persistent controversy. However, the report from a prominent financial newspaper ensures that the issue will likely remain in the public discourse.
