Overview
On September 8, 2025, the U.S. House Oversight Committee released a trove of documents from Jeffrey Epstein’s estate including the controversial “birthday book” compiled for his 50th birthday under a subpoena issued on August 25. Alongside the album, the committee unveiled Epstein’s will, a 2007 to 2008 non prosecution agreement, and his personal contact book.(AP News, The Washington Post, Globedge)
Key Highlights of the “Birthday Book”
The “birthday book,” titled The First Fifty Years, was assembled in 2003 by Ghislaine Maxwell and included drawings, photos, and messages from Epstein’s acquaintances. It was intended to “jog [his] memory” of people and events in his life.(Wikipedia, The Washington Post, The Guardian)
- Controversial notes allegedly from high profile figures were among the album’s entries:
- A hand drawn sketch of a nude torso, accompanied by a fictional exchange between “Donald” and “Jeffrey,” signed “Donald J. Trump.” The note concludes with “Happy birthday and may every day be another wonderful secret.” Trump has denied creating the message or drawing.(The Washington Post, The Guardian, Wall Street Journal)
- A handwritten note attributed to Bill Clinton, praising Epstein’s “childlike curiosity” and “drive to make a difference,” also appeared.(New York Post, The Times of India)
- The album features entries from Leslie Wexner, Alan Dershowitz, Leon Black, Peter Mandelson, among others. Many contributions included sexually suggestive imagery, explicit captions, and photos of Epstein in compromising contexts like holding an oversized novelty check signed “DJ TRUMP” or receiving massages by topless women.(The Guardian, New York Post, Wikipedia)
Additional Materials Released
Apart from the birthday book, the committee released:
- Epstein’s last will and testament.
- The 2007 to 2008 non prosecution agreement with prosecutors in Southern Florida.
- His contact and address books, containing names and connections.
- Indications that the committee is pursuing financial records, though these have not yet been publicly released.(The Washington Post, New York Post, Axios, Oversight Committee)
Committee Reactions
- Rep. James Comer (R Ky.), Committee Chair, condemned what he described as partisan disclosure. He accused Democrats of “cherry picking documents” and politicizing the release. Comer reiterated that neither Trump nor Clinton is accused of wrongdoing and affirmed intent to investigate further including Epstein’s bank records.(The Washington Post, New York Post, Oversight Committee, Axios)
- Rep. Robert Garcia (D Calif.), Ranking Democrat, highlighted the importance of the “birthday book” in understanding Epstein’s connections, urging Trump to come forward with truthful explanations.(The Washington Post, The Guardian)
Political Fallout
- The alleged Trump entry, now public, has intensified the ongoing defamation lawsuit Trump filed against News Corp and the Wall Street Journal. Trump and his team insist the illustration and signature are fabricated.(The Washington Post, Wall Street Journal)
- Clinton’s note while more innocuous adds to the growing scrutiny of Epstein’s network. Both names’ presence has become a focal point for debates over influence and accountability.(New York Post, The Guardian)
- The release reinforces bipartisan demands for full transparency. Some Republicans and Democrats in Congress are pushing to compel the Department of Justice to publish all of its Epstein-related files.(AP News, Wikipedia)
Broader Implications
- The birthday book offers a rare and intimate glimpse into Epstein’s world featuring personal memories, inside jokes, and interactions with influential figures. Its release carries both investigative and cultural weight.
- Politically, it has deepened the spotlight on Epstein’s associations. Even without evidence of wrongdoing, the presence of names like Trump and Clinton is provocative, raising uncomfortable questions.
- For survivors of Epstein’s abuses and the public, the disclosure represents both a measure of long sought transparency and a flashpoint for confrontation over power, privilege, and accountability.
Summary
The House Oversight Committee has released a substantial trove of records from Jeffrey Epstein’s estate most notably a provocative “birthday book” filled with messages and sketches from powerful individuals. Among them are entries allegedly from Donald Trump and Bill Clinton, prompting bipartisan debate and renewed calls for full transparency. The disclosures extend to Epstein’s will, contact book, and legal agreements, but more documents including financial records remain under investigation.
