In a bombshell revelation, former US President Donald Trump has disclosed the real reason he banned the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein from his luxurious Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.
Trump, who has long faced scrutiny over his past association with Epstein, claimed he barred the disgraced billionaire from the exclusive club due to his inappropriate behaviour towards female staff and guests.
The Epstein-Trump Connection
The controversial relationship between Trump and Epstein has been the subject of intense speculation for years. While Trump previously described Epstein as a "terrific guy" in 2002, he later claimed to have fallen out with him around 2004.
"I knew him like everybody in Palm Beach knew him," Trump stated, attempting to downplay their connection. "But I had a falling out with him a long time ago. I don't think I've spoken to him for 15 years."
Mar-a-Lago's Strict Policies
According to Trump's recent statements, Epstein was permanently banned from Mar-a-Lago after he allegedly made unwanted advances towards women at the resort. The former president emphasised that his club maintains strict standards of conduct for all members and guests.
"We don't want that kind of behaviour at Mar-a-Lago," Trump declared. "When you're running a place like Mar-a-Lago, you have to be very careful who you let in."
Epstein's Criminal Past
Jeffrey Epstein, who died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, had been a registered sex offender since 2008. His connections with numerous high-profile figures, including politicians, businessmen and royalty, have continued to make headlines even after his death.
The revelation about his Mar-a-Lago ban adds another layer to the complex narrative surrounding Epstein's relationships with powerful individuals. It also raises questions about how much was known about his predatory behaviour before his criminal activities became public knowledge.
Ongoing Investigations
Epstein's crimes and the circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation. Several of his associates have faced legal consequences, including his former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted of sex trafficking in 2021.
Trump's latest comments are likely to reignite discussions about the extent of elite society's knowledge of Epstein's activities and whether more could have been done to stop him earlier.
