Jeffrey Epstein allegedly considered himself Donald Trump’s “closest friend” and claimed to know deeply personal details about Trump’s sexual habits, including infidelities and pursuits.
According to tapes obtained exclusively by the Daily Beast, Epstein boasted about his connection to Trump and his wife, Melania, saying, “the first time he slept with her was on my plane,” referring to his notorious jet, the “Lolita Express.”
Trump Cancels Second Mainstream Interview in Days
The recordings, made in August 2017 by author Michael Wolff, highlight Epstein’s perspective on Trump’s lifestyle and attitudes toward women. Wolff, known for his book Fire and Fury, reportedly captured Epstein speaking candidly about his years of friendship with Trump—an association that remains a topic of heated debate and political scrutiny.
A Glimpse into the Bond Between Trump and Epstein
The tapes offer Epstein’s take on their relationship, which had veered down two distinct paths: Epstein’s route to notoriety, imprisonment, and a mysterious death, contrasted with Trump’s rise to the presidency and subsequent legal controversies. The Trump campaign has dismissed the tapes as “false smears” and “election interference,” claiming they’re timed to undermine Trump’s character just before the election.
Nightlife and Power Games: Epstein’s Perspective on Trump
Epstein painted Trump as “charming” yet “devious,” recounting their nights prowling New York and Atlantic City for women. Epstein alleged that Trump, despite public charm, was a serial adulterer with a particular interest in seducing the wives of his friends. Epstein also described Trump as essentially friendless, with only a few loyal staff members like his daughter Ivanka and longtime secretary.
Controversial Allegations of Trump’s Behavior
The tapes delve into the darker side of Trump’s alleged habits, including Epstein’s claims of Trump engaging in elaborate schemes to entice his friends’ wives. Epstein purportedly recounted an instance where Trump would manipulate situations by having friends discuss their sex lives, all while their wives listened secretly on speakerphone. He suggested Trump would then exploit the wives’ anger to initiate affairs.
Epstein’s View on Trump’s Character
Epstein’s opinion of Trump’s personal character was damning, calling him a “horrible human being” who “does nasty things to his best friends.” In his view, Trump’s charm was tempered by deep-seated vanity and a relentless drive for power, traits that led to strained and transactional relationships.
Epstein’s Stories About Trump’s Physical Appearance and Behavior
According to Epstein, Trump was “functionally illiterate” outside of reading gossip columns and described an obsession with his appearance, including undergoing scalp reduction surgery. Epstein alleged Trump would often yell at his assistant and attorney, comparing his tantrums to those of an “emotionally challenged 9-year-old.”
Allegations of Trump’s Affair with a Politician While in Office
Epstein also claimed, without evidence, that Trump had an affair with a politician while in the White House. Although lacking verification, this allegation adds another layer to the sordid stories Epstein recounted about Trump’s relationships and behavior.
A Long Friendship Turned Fractured
The relationship between Trump and Epstein, documented through the late 1980s and into the early 2000s, ended after a fallout over a real estate deal in Palm Beach. Since Epstein’s arrest and eventual death in 2019, Trump has distanced himself from his former friend, describing Epstein as “not a fan.”
The Trump Campaign’s Response to Epstein’s Claims
In response to the tapes’ release, Trump’s campaign has condemned Wolff as a “disgraced writer,” alleging that the release is a calculated effort to interfere in the election. The campaign also claimed it was “widely known” that Trump had banned Epstein from Mar-a-Lago upon learning of his sexual misconduct allegations.
A Look at Epstein’s Elite Connections
Epstein’s recorded remarks also name prominent figures like Bill Clinton, Ivanka Trump, and billionaire Carl Icahn. Clinton and Ivanka had previous associations with Epstein, though Clinton has denied any connection after Epstein’s legal troubles emerged.
Epstein’s Verdict on Trump’s Morality
In a final condemnation, Epstein asserted that Trump lacked any “moral compass.” For Epstein, Trump’s charm concealed a ruthless pursuit of personal gratification, with little regard for lasting friendships or genuine empathy. This unfiltered look into Trump’s life from his former confidant adds another layer to the complex and controversial narrative surrounding his public and private persona.
