WASHINGTON – A trove of documents from the estate of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein released by a congressional committee on Monday includes a birthday greeting and drawing of breasts from Ohio’s wealthiest man — and brings into question the protests of another Ohio connection.
Documents released by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform include the contents of a 238-page leather-bound 50th birthday album compiled in 2003 by Ghislaine Maxwell whose contents were first reported by The Wall Street Journal.
High-profile friends who took the opportunity to provide greetings to Epstein – who died in jail in 2019 while facing sex trafficking charges – include billionaire retail magnate Leslie Wexner.
The release of the birthday album also puts comments from Vice President JD Vance, formerly an Ohio senator from Cincinnati, back in the spotlight.
When the Wall Street Journal first published its accounts of the birthday book in July, Vance posted a profane response on X attacking the story for saying the book contained a message and drawing from President Donald Trump, who was a longtime friend of Epstein’s.
The page attributed to Trump shows a suggestive outline of a woman’s body surrounding a simulated conversation in which Epstein and Trump acknowledge there is more to life than having everything and pledge they’ll never reveal secrets. Trump has denied that the drawing and the signed name that resembles his trademark signature, are his.
“Forgive my language but this story is complete and utter b——-,” Vance’s post said. “The WSJ should be ashamed for publishing it. Where is this letter? Would you be shocked to learn they never showed it to us before publishing it? Does anyone honestly believe this sounds like Donald Trump?”
With release of the book, the page now is in full view for public scrutiny.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who frequently trolls Trump and his administration on X, took a jab at Vance’s comment Monday afternoon.
“This aged nicely,” Newsom posted.
Vance pushed back again on Monday.
“The Democrats don’t care about Epstein. They don’t even care about his victims. That’s why they were silent about it for years,” Vance posted. “The only thing they care about is concocting another fake scandal like Russiagate to smear President Trump with lies. No one is falling for this BS.”
Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer of New York responded Tuesday, posting video of Vance in a 2024 interview saying the Epstein files should be released.
“JD Vance then: Release the files. JD Vance now: It’s a Democratic hoax,” Schumer posted.
Wexner, who was then Epstein’s financial patron and closest known business ally, submitted a note dated January 20, 2003.
“I wanted to get you what you want… so here it is…” it said, followed by a drawing resembling a woman’s breasts. “Happy Birthday, Your friend, Leslie.”
Wexner, 88, of the Columbus suburb of New Albany, is Ohio’s wealthiest person with a multi-billion dollar net worth. He is founder of L brands, a global retail group that includes Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works.
Wexner declined comment on his contribution to the album through a spokesman, the Journal reported. The spokesman previously told the Journal that Wexner “severed all ties with Epstein in 2007 and never spoke with him again.”
Epstein is believed to have acquired much of his fortune through Wexner, including the Manhattan mansion where Epstein allegedly committed sexual assaults. At one point, Epstein owned a house in Columbus next to Wexner.
Wexner has appeared in past court documents related to Epstein but has not been linked to allegations that Epstein procured sex for powerful and wealthy business leaders.
The message in the leather-bound book attributed to Trump is a letter printed inside the outline of a naked woman and closed with: “A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret.”
Trump filed a $10 billion dollar lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal over the birthday greeting. In addition to the note from Trump, the birthday album contains a photo of Epstein and a group of people holding a novelty check from Trump for $22,500.
The White House on Monday continued denying Trump’s connection to the risqué note.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt posted a social media statement on Monday that stated “it’s very clear President Trump did not draw this picture, and he did not sign it. President Trump’s legal team will continue to aggressively pursue litigation.”
White House deputy chief of staff Taylor Budowich posted social media photos of Trump’s signature over the years claiming, “it’s not his signature.”
A statement from the Oversight Committee’s top Democrat, Robert Garcia of California called Trump’s lawsuit “ludicrous,” and said “it’s time for the President to tell us the truth about what he knew and release all the Epstein files. The American people are demanding answers.”
A statement from the committee’s Republican chairman, Kentucky’s James Comer, criticized Democrats for cherry-picking documents and politicizing information it received from the Epstein estate.
“Oversight Committee Republicans are focused on running a thorough investigation to bring transparency and accountability for survivors of Epstein’s heinous crimes and the American people,” Comer’s statement said. “President Trump is not accused of any wrongdoing …. Democrats must decide if their priority is justice for the survivors or politics.”
Justice Department officials examined the album years ago, though it remains unclear if it’s part of the current review of the so-called Epstein files, The Wall Street Journal reported. After earlier pledging full transparency, Attorney General Pam Bondi said in July that no further documents would be released, prompting Congress to subpoena the documents.
Epstein leveraged relationships with figures like Wexner, Trump, and Bill Clinton to access elite circles.
An address book released by the committee on Monday contains entries for Wexner, Trump, and numerous celebrities including Mick Jagger, Dustin Hoffman, Ralph Fiennes, Minnie Driver, Courtney Love, Alec Baldwin, Jimmy Buffett and Rupert Murdoch, who owns the Wall Street Journal.
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