Former US President Donald Trump has used his Christmas message to launch a scathing attack on the "sleazebags" who associated with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The extraordinary broadside comes just days after the US Department of Justice released tens of thousands of documents related to the Epstein case, including new photographs of Trump aboard the financier's aircraft.
Christmas Fury Over Epstein Associates
In a lengthy post on his Truth Social platform on Christmas Eve, Trump penned a passive-aggressive holiday greeting that took direct aim at those in Epstein's orbit. "Merry Christmas to all, including the many Sleazebags who loved Jeffrey Epstein," Trump wrote, alleging they gave him money, visited his private island, and attended his parties.
He claimed these individuals only distanced themselves from Epstein "when things got too HOT" and then falsely denied knowing him. Trump positioned himself as the one who cut ties with Epstein long before it was fashionable, writing he was "actually the only one who did drop Epstein."
The message quickly turned political, with Trump asserting that when names are revealed in what he called the "ongoing Radical Left Witch Hunt," it will show "they are Democrats all." He compared the situation to the Russia investigation, which he labelled a "total Scam."
New DOJ Files Reveal Fresh Details
Trump's festive outburst follows the recent disclosure of a vast trove of Justice Department documents related to the Epstein probe. The files, released under congressional legislation Trump himself signed during his presidency, contain several references to the former president.
Among the revelations are fresh photographs showing Trump aboard Epstein's private plane, known as the 'Lolita Express,' alongside unidentified women. The documents suggest Trump travelled on the aircraft "many more times" during the mid-to-late 1990s than was previously publicly understood.
One FBI case file from October 2020 includes a sexual assault allegation against Trump from an unnamed woman, who purportedly stated "he raped me" and claimed Trump and Epstein assaulted her together. The document also references a 2020 interview with a limousine driver who reported driving Trump in Texas in 1995 and 1997.
The driver described a "very concerning" phone call in 1995 during which Trump repeatedly mentioned "Jeffrey" and referred to "abusing some girl." The driver claimed he was close to pulling over and confronting Trump due to the nature of the conversation.
Swift Denials and Ongoing Defamation Cases
The Department of Justice and the White House Press Office issued immediate and categorical rebuttals to the allegations contained in the files. A statement dismissed the claims as "unfounded and false," adding that if they had any credibility, they would have been used against Trump already.
Trump himself has consistently denied any knowledge of or involvement in Epstein's illegal activities. No charges have ever been filed against Trump in relation to Epstein. The former president maintains he had a personal friendship with Epstein for many years before their relationship soured prior to Epstein's arrest.
In response to the document release, Trump has initiated multiple defamation lawsuits against news organisations, including The Wall Street Journal. These relate to their publication of what is claimed to be a birthday message from Trump to Epstein, which the former president vehemently denies writing.
Speaking at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida earlier this week, Trump framed the Epstein document release as a political tactic. "What this whole thing is with Epstein is a way of trying to deflect from the tremendous success that the Republican Party has," he stated, blaming Democrats and some Republicans for the controversy.
He also expressed frustration for other public figures photographed with Epstein, suggesting they were innocent bystanders caught in the frame. "You probably have pictures of other people who innocently met Jeffrey Epstein years ago," Trump said, mentioning "highly respected bankers and lawyers."
The unfolding saga continues to cast a long shadow, intertwining serious criminal allegations with the fierce political divisions that characterise the American landscape, even during the holiday season.
