Jeffrey Epstein’s friendship with Donald Trump, explained

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Editor’s note, June 5, 2025, 4:25 pm ET: Amid a public dispute between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk on Thursday, the tech mogul claimed on X that Trump was mentioned in the Epstein files, suggesting this as the reason they were not disclosed. The following story was initially released on November 5, 2024.
Timing is crucial in media and politics, leading many to question why journalist Michael Wolff waited until shortly before the presidential election to unveil what he claims are recordings of Jeffrey Epstein discussing his close relationship with Republican candidate Donald Trump.
Wolff, known for the bestselling book “Fire and Fury” about the Trump administration, recently shared a snippet from the tapes on his podcast, where Epstein talks about Trump’s interactions with his staff. Following the buzz around this, more excerpts from the “hundred hours” of recordings were made public by the Daily Beast on Monday.
On these tapes, Epstein portrays himself as Trump’s “closest friend,” recounting a friendship spanning over a decade characterized by partying and Trump’s behavior as a womanizer and adulterer.
In response to the tapes, the Trump campaign accused Wolff of spreading false information and interfering in the election in favor of Trump’s opponent, Kamala Harris.
While the claims made by Epstein in the recordings are not entirely new, shedding light on Trump’s association with Epstein and his alleged actions, the tapes serve as a stark reminder of the documented connection between Epstein and Trump.
Despite the lack of verification for Epstein’s statements, the recordings highlight the need to address the numerous allegations of sexual misconduct against Trump.
Jeffrey Epstein, a figure of wealth and influence, has been accused by numerous women of sexual abuse, particularly targeting minors, and was involved in a sex trafficking operation, as detailed by various investigations and reports.
Trump and Epstein’s relationship extended beyond mere acquaintanceship, with both men claiming to be close friends who socialized for many years.
The revelations presented in the Wolff tapes offer a new perspective on the dynamics of the friendship between Epstein and Trump, with Epstein expressing disdain for his former friend in the recordings.
While the impact of Wolff’s disclosures on the 2024 election remains uncertain, they underscore the well-known social ties between Trump and Epstein and may prompt a reconsideration of Trump’s conduct towards women.
Ultimately, the Wolff tapes serve as a reminder of the longstanding association between Trump and Epstein, urging voters to reflect on the information presented.