“The Letter That Wasn’t: Secrets, Signatures, and the Shadow of Epstein”
Elon Musk Rises to Trump’s Defense Over Alleged Epstein ‘Birthday Letter’
When a provocative report surfaced claiming that former President Donald Trump sent a risqué birthday letter to Jeffrey Epstein around 2003, billionaire Elon Musk, former head of Dogecoin, didn’t hesitate to back him up.
The Allegation: An Unseen ‘Birthday Letter’
The controversy began with a claim that letters obtained from the Epstein investigation included a “birthday letter book.” Supposedly, one of the notes featured an outline drawing of a nude woman and a signature reading “Donald.” The letter purportedly ended with a risqué phrase: “Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret.”
The unnamed letter quickly made headlines, prompting outrage and widespread online debate. But before the news could fully sink in, Musk weighed in via X (formerly Twitter). “It really doesn’t sound like something Trump would say tbh [to be honest],” he wrote.
Trump Denies and Threatens…
On Truth Social, Trump flatly rejected the story, calling it “false, malicious, and defamatory.” He warned The Wall Street Journal, its parent NewsCorp, and media magnate Rupert Murdoch that they would face legal consequences if they proceeded with the publication.
Despite that warning, the Journal published the story—and Trump ramped up his threats. “The Wall Street Journal printed a FAKE letter, supposedly to Epstein. These are not my words, not the way I talk. Also, I don’t draw pictures,” he posted. “I told Rupert Murdoch it was a Scam… now I’m going to sue his ass off, and that of his third rate newspaper.”
The former president, referencing his history of lawsuits, added: “I have already beaten George Stephanopoulos/ABC, 60 Minutes/CBS, and others, and look forward to suing and holding accountable the once great Wall Street Journal.”
Attempts to Release Epstein Files
In the aftermath of the fallout, Trump announced he asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to release select documents from Epstein’s long-standing criminal case. “Based on the ridiculous amount of publicity given to Jeffrey Epstein,” he wrote on Truth Social, “I have asked AG Pam Bondi to produce any and all pertinent Grand Jury testimony, subject to Court approval.”
But Bondi’s request doesn’t guarantee a flood of new documents. According to internal sources, she is prepared to petition a judge—but may be limited to only a partial unsealing.
White House Lines Up to Discredit
Before Bondi’s filing, White House officials portrayed the letter report as outright fabrication. Vice President JD Vance took to X, dismissing it as “complete and utter bullshit”—using Trump’s own phrasing from earlier comments.
Trump’s press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, said the Wall Street Journal wouldn’t even share the letter with them. She labeled the article a “hatchet job,” and added, “They refused to show us the letter and conceded they don’t even have it in their possession when we asked them to verify the alleged document.”
When asked directly whether Bondi would release Epstein-related evidence, Leavitt said they would only do so if new “credible evidence” emerged. She emphasized that Trump instructed the DOJ and FBI to conduct a thorough review—and that both agency leadership and the attorney general had agreed with their findings.
But after the Wall Street Journal published, Politico observed that the tone of the administration’s stance had subtly shifted, hinting that further action might be taken.
A Complex Relationship With Murdoch Media
Historically, Trump has maintained a friendly relationship with Rupert Murdoch’s media empire. However, as Politico noted, their rapport has experienced rough patches. This latest legal threat represents a clear breakdown in trust, at least in public.
Reading Between the Lines
At its surface, the conflict may appear to be another chapter in Trump’s longstanding clashes with the media. Yet beneath the surface lies a story about power, legacy, and public perception.
Trump’s vehement reactions—denials, lawsuits, and public pressure to disclose more documents—all signal an intent to control the narrative around his alleged connection to Epstein. Musk’s brief online defense, while modest, served to publicly cast doubt on the legitimacy of the claims from within the billionaire class.
What Comes Next?
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Lawsuit Unfolds: Trump has pledged to sue. Watch for court filings, motions to dismiss, and potential settlement talks.
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Epstein Files: Whether Bondi secures unsealing of documents remains uncertain. Any release could shift public focus.
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Media Watch: Will other outlets validate or debunk the letter? Will the WSJ provide evidence backing their story?
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Trump–Murdoch Fallout: Pay attention to future media coverage of Trump. If their relationship buckles, coverage may tilt.
Final Thoughts
With millions following every twist in the Epstein saga, this birthday letter debacle adds yet another dramatic turn. Legal battles, unsealed documents, and high-stakes accusations now loom large. While the letter’s authenticity remains unverified, the fallout reveals it wasn’t just a political statement—it was a clash of influence, reputation, and seekers of truth.
Whether this turns into courtroom drama, media warfare, or political maneuvering, it’s certain that in hearts and headlines alike, the question persists: truth, rumor, or revelation—and what comes after the final chapter is written.