President Donald Trump lashed out Tuesday after CNN published newly uncovered photos showing the late financier Jeffrey Epstein attending Trump’s 1993 wedding to Marla Maples.
When asked by CNN for comment, Trump responded with disbelief: “You’ve got to be kidding me.” He then repeatedly slammed the outlet as “fake news” before abruptly ending the phone call, according to the network.
Background: The Epstein Fallout Continues
CNN’s report is the latest development in the ongoing controversy surrounding Trump’s ties to Epstein, following a Justice Department memo earlier this month that stated it would not release further details about Epstein’s 2019 death or any alleged client list. The memo reignited public interest and media scrutiny into Epstein’s connections — including those with Trump.
While Trump has consistently downplayed his past ties to Epstein — recently labeling him a “creep” — he has also dismissed the renewed attention as a partisan “hoax” driven by Democrats and the media.
What the New Photos Show
CNN’s investigative unit KFILE obtained a black-and-white photo of Epstein at Trump’s wedding reception at New York’s Plaza Hotel. Another image, taken by photographer Dafydd Jones at a 1993 Harley Davidson Cafe opening, shows Trump posing with Epstein and two of his children.
Speaking to CNN, Jones said, “I must have recognized [Epstein] going in,” referring to the wedding photo. Both images were taken more than 10 years before Epstein’s sex trafficking crimes came to light.
CNN also resurfaced:
- A 1999 video showing Trump and Epstein laughing at a Victoria’s Secret fashion show.
- Photos of them together at a charity event at Mar-a-Lago, joined by Epstein’s girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell and Prince Andrew.
More Allegations and Legal Threats
CNN’s coverage follows a Wall Street Journal report revealing that Trump allegedly sent Epstein a 50th birthday note in 2003. The note featured an outline of a naked woman with a message that read:
“Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret.”
Trump has denied the letter’s authenticity, calling it a fake, and has since announced plans to sue the Journal and its owner Rupert Murdoch. He also directed former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to request court approval to obtain any grand jury documents related to the Epstein investigation.
Official Responses
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung told CNN:
“These are nothing more than out-of-context frame grabs from widely attended events, used to falsely suggest something sinister. The President banned Epstein from Mar-a-Lago for being a creep. This is just more fake news from the Democrats and their media allies.”
Meanwhile, the group Republicans Against Trump posted on X:
“This is just the tip of the iceberg. Much more damning material is likely to come out soon. This is why Trump is so rattled.”
What’s Next
A federal judge overseeing the Department of Justice’s request to unseal grand jury materials in the Ghislaine Maxwell case has asked prosecutors for additional details. A decision on the release of those records is expected “expeditiously,” according to the judge.
As pressure builds, Trump’s efforts to distance himself from Epstein continue to be undermined by mounting photographic and written evidence — and by his own shifting public statements.
