Former President Donald Trump has publicly denied ever visiting Jeffrey Epstein’s private island, stating he "never had the privilege" of going there and that he actually turned down invitations. His comments come amid renewed attention on his past relationship with Epstein as Trump spoke from Scotland during a bilateral meeting with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer. He described his falling out with Epstein, citing inappropriate behavior involving Epstein hiring away people who worked for Trump.
Trump emphasized that he had severed ties with Epstein long ago, labeling him persona non grata after repeated offenses. He criticized the ongoing Epstein saga as a "hoax," blaming previous administrations for the way the case has been handled. Trump also pointed out that many others in Palm Beach did attend Epstein’s infamous island, naming former President Bill Clinton among them, though Clinton has denied any wrongdoing.
Trump Details Break With Epstein and Denies Island Visits
During his Scotland visit, Trump elaborated on why he distanced himself from Epstein. He said Epstein had overstepped with inappropriate actions, particularly involving staff, and after warning him, these actions continued. This led Trump to ban Epstein from his properties, saying, "I threw him out of the place persona non grata."
Trump’s remarks about Epstein come amid rising scrutiny over the former president’s past connections to Epstein and how the government dealt with Epstein’s crimes. Despite some public association, Trump insists he never set foot on Epstein’s private island and actively declined invitations to visit.
Trump Labels Epstein Scandal a "Hoax"
Trump dismissed the Epstein case as exaggerated, calling it a "hoax that’s been built up way beyond proportion." He implied political motivations behind the media’s focus on the story and chose to redirect attention to his reportedly early break with Epstein rather than any deeper involvement.
By portraying himself as a critic and eventual adversary of Epstein, Trump seeks to distance himself further from the disgraced financier’s criminal activities. At the same time, he acknowledges that many other influential figures did accept Epstein’s invitations, subtly contrasting their choices with his own refusal to visit the island.
Renewed Interest in Epstein Ties Amid Political Pressures
As investigations and media coverage intensify around Epstein’s network and associates, Trump’s denials appear aimed at managing political damage. His public statements reinforce his narrative of minimal, negative interaction and early disassociation.
This latest declaration marks a significant moment in the ongoing public reckoning with Epstein’s crimes, especially given Trump’s status and prior links to Epstein. It also fuels continuing debate over the scope of Epstein’s connections with powerful individuals and the responses by those once linked to him.