• Trump and Epstein were close friends in the 1990s and early 2000s, sharing social events and business ties.
• Their friendship ended after a property dispute in 2004 amid Epstein’s growing legal troubles.
• Elon Musk’s recent comments revived scrutiny, including claims of secret photos and flight logs linking Trump to Epstein.

Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein knew each other for many years. They moved in the same wealthy social circles in Palm Beach, Florida, starting in the late 1980s. Their friendship lasted until around 2004, when they had a big falling out over a property deal. Both men were well-known figures in the world of business and luxury parties. Epstein was a convicted sex offender, while Trump was a billionaire businessman who later became the U.S. president. Despite their close ties, he has often downplayed how well he knew Epstein. However, photos and reports show the two men socializing together at events, like parties at Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s Palm Beach resort. They were even seen talking and laughing together in a 1992 TV news clip from one such party.

The Public and Legal Scrutiny

Epstein’s criminal history has brought unwanted attention to many powerful men, including Trump. Epstein faced serious charges related to sex trafficking and abuse before his death in a New York jail in 2019. Court documents have named many high-profile individuals linked to Epstein’s social circles, including Trump, Prince Andrew, and Bill Clinton. Before his re-election campaign in 2024, he said he would have no problem releasing the FBI documents about the investigation into Epstein. Critics, however, have questioned his initial claims that he barely knew Epstein. He later admitted they were friends but denied involvement in the crimes. Still, conspiracy theories have circulated about why the government has not made all the files public.

Elon Musk’s Role in Renewing Interest in the Story

Recently, Elon Musk stirred the pot by highlighting Trump’s past friendship with Epstein on social media. Musk shared old footage and articles showing Trump and Epstein together. One notable example was the 1992 Mar-a-Lago party video, where Trump points out a woman to Epstein and jokes with him. Musk also shared a magazine interview from 2002 in which Trump called Epstein “a terrific guy” who liked “beautiful women,” some “on the younger side.” Musk’s posts sparked a wave of attention, reminding many of the close ties between the two men years ago. His tweets included a raised-eyebrow emoji, signaling suspicion or surprise.

Michael Wolff’s Claims About Damning Photos

Author Michael Wolff added fuel to the fire by claiming he saw damaging photos of Trump and Epstein together with young, topless women. Wolff told the Daily Beast that these pictures exist and could seriously harm Trump’s reputation if released. He described one photo showing girls sitting on Trump’s lap and another where Trump had a stain on his pants while several topless girls laughed nearby. Wolff speculated these images might have been in Epstein’s safe during the FBI raid in 2019. Trump’s campaign denied these claims, calling Wolff a “disgraced writer” who spreads lies for profit. Still, Wolff insisted that Trump and Epstein shared much more than just parties — including girlfriends, business plans, and tax advice. He said their lives were closely intertwined.

Shared Social Life and Business Connections in Palm Beach

Trump bought Mar-a-Lago in 1985, a grand mansion and private club in Palm Beach. Epstein bought a nearby mansion five years later but never became a member of Mar-a-Lago. Still, Epstein often visited Trump’s parties there. The two men also dined at Epstein’s New York mansion and traveled together between New York and Florida. Photographs from the 1990s show them attending Victoria’s Secret parties and celebrity tennis tournaments. Epstein even claimed he introduced Trump to Melania Knauss, who later became Melania Trump, though neither Trump nor Melania confirmed this. Trump’s parties at the time featured many models, cheerleaders, and beauty queens, thanks to his ties with modeling agencies, a football team, and the Miss Universe pageant. Trump later admitted these parties were “wild” and all about having fun when he was single.

Controversial Parties and Events Featuring Epstein

Eyewitnesses recall that Mar-a-Lago parties often had many more women than men. In 1992, Trump organized a “calendar girl” contest with 28 contestants but only two male judges — Trump and Epstein. The event organizer warned Trump that Epstein had a reputation for going after younger girls. Trump supposedly said he did not want to risk scandal by associating with Epstein at these events. However, Epstein kept showing up. Roger Stone, a former Trump adviser, claimed Trump declined many invitations to Epstein’s private island but did visit Epstein’s Palm Beach home at least once. Stone said Trump saw underage girls by the pool and joked about it, pretending they were “neighborhood kids.” Epstein often brought Ghislaine Maxwell, his close associate and later convicted sex trafficker, to Trump events.

Epstein’s Black Book and Trump’s Social Circle

Court documents revealed Epstein’s infamous “little black book” contained 14 phone numbers linked to Trump, Melania, and close Trump aides. Epstein’s brother Mark confirmed the men were “good friends” despite Trump’s attempts to distance himself. Mark said Trump even gave Epstein’s family free perks at his Atlantic City casino hotel. Other insiders described Trump and Epstein as “tight” and “wingmen” for each other. Alan Dershowitz, Epstein’s former lawyer, said knowing both men was a sign of being part of an elite social circle. Their friendship started to break down in 2004 over a Palm Beach mansion called Maison de l’Amitie. Both men tried to buy it and accused each other of lacking funds, leading to a public feud.

The Fallout and Legal Troubles After Their Split

The breakup happened just before Palm Beach police began investigating Epstein for abusing underage girls. Epstein served 13 months in jail after pleading guilty to soliciting a minor for prostitution. By the time Trump ran for president in 2016, he tried to downplay his connection to Epstein. His lawyer said Trump had “no relationship” with Epstein and they were not friends. After Epstein’s 2019 arrest, President Trump said he hadn’t spoken to Epstein in 15 years and called him “not a fan.” Trump’s team emphasized that Epstein was banned from his Palm Beach golf club. Yet some former aides said Trump kept associating with Epstein because of his wealth and social status. One aide claimed Trump thought Epstein’s scandals would hurt other politicians more than him.

Trump’s Denial of Visits to Epstein’s Island and Flight Logs

Trump denies ever visiting Epstein’s private island, known for alleged sex abuse. He also says he never flew on Epstein’s “Lolita Express” jet. However, flight logs released by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi in 2025 show Trump flew on Epstein’s planes at least seven times between 1993 and later years. On some flights, Trump was joined by his then-wife Marla Maples, daughter Tiffany, and a nanny. Epstein owned several planes, so Trump may have been referring only to the most infamous one. This new evidence contradicts some of Trump’s denials and raises more questions about their relationship.

The Lasting Impact and Future Questions

Elon Musk’s recent comments have revived interest in Trump’s ties to Epstein. Musk’s large online following amplified the discussion, and many people revisited old footage and articles. Meanwhile, Michael Wolff’s claims about secret photos keep the story alive. Trump has dismissed these accusations but has never fully explained the depth of their friendship. As more documents and evidence emerge, questions remain about what Trump knew and when. The Epstein scandal continues to affect powerful figures, and it may take years before all the facts come to light. For now, Trump’s link to Epstein stays a controversial chapter in both men’s histories.