According to New Republic.com humiliation is here.
Summary:
President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance faced backlash over their responses to a Wall Street Journal article revealing a 2003 birthday letter Trump allegedly sent to Jeffrey Epstein. The letter, part of a compilation curated by Ghislaine Maxwell, included a suggestive drawing and referred to Epstein as a “pal,” stating, “every day may be a wonderful secret.” Trump denied authorship, labeling the report as “fake” and threatening legal action against the Journal and its owner, Rupert Murdoch. Vance echoed Trump’s sentiments, dismissing the story as “complete and utter bullshit” and criticizing the Journal for publishing it without prior consultation. This discord between Trump and Vance raised questions about their coordination and credibility. The controversy intensified amid public demands for transparency regarding the so-called Epstein files, following a Department of Justice memo stating no incriminating client list existed. Trump’s administration had previously suggested the existence of such a list, leading to further scrutiny and division within his base. The episode underscores the challenges Trump faces in managing the Epstein issue, with his responses potentially alienating both allies and critics. The New Republic+5The Wall Street Journal+5AP News+5The New Republic+7The New Republic+7The New Republic+7The New Republic+2Business Insider+2The New Republic+2
Takeaways:
- Inconsistent Messaging: Trump and Vance’s conflicting responses to the letter’s authenticity highlight a lack of coordinated communication.
- Legal Threats: Trump’s swift legal threats against the Journal may backfire, drawing more attention to the controversy.The Guardian
- Public Scrutiny: The renewed focus on Epstein and the administration’s handling of related documents could erode public trust.
- Political Fallout: The episode risks deepening divisions within Trump’s support base, with some demanding transparency and others defending the administration’s stance.
For a detailed account, you can read the full New Republic article here: Trump and JD Vance Humiliatingly Flub Response to WSJ Epstein Story.