What we know as 'birthday book' of messages to Epstein released

September 9, 2025

The US House Oversight Committee has released a redacted copy of Jeffrey Epstein's 2003 "birthday book" along with other documents including his will and personal address books. This 238-page birthday book contains messages and photos from numerous high-profile individuals, including what appears to be a note from Donald Trump, which Trump has denied writing. The release follows growing bipartisan pressure for transparency regarding Epstein-related documents, despite the Trump administration's resistance to further disclosures.

Who is affected

Jeffrey Epstein's associates whose names appear in the documents, including politicians, celebrities, and royalty
President Donald Trump, whose purported note in the birthday book has become controversial
Former President Bill Clinton, who appears to have written a message in the book
Lord Peter Mandelson, current UK ambassador to the US, who referred to Epstein as "my best pal"
Survivors of Epstein's abuse, referenced by Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett as deserving justice
The American public, characterized as deserving transparency about Epstein's connections

What action is being taken

The House Oversight Committee is currently investigating and releasing documents related to Epstein
Congressional Democrats are actively pressuring for the release of unredacted Epstein files
The committee is publishing redacted versions of Epstein's documents, including the birthday book, will, and contact information
Republicans, including Committee Chairman James Comer, are criticizing Democrats for "cherry-picking documents and politicizing information"
The White House is actively denying that Trump wrote or signed the birthday note attributed to him

Why it matters

The documents provide insight into Epstein's extensive network of powerful connections across politics, business, and entertainment
The materials relate to a convicted sex offender who was awaiting trial for sex trafficking when he died
The controversy has political implications during an election year, with both parties using the issue to criticize opponents
The documents potentially reveal the extent of relationships between Epstein and powerful figures, though being named doesn't indicate wrongdoing
The release responds to public interest and demands for transparency about Epstein's connections and activities

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC