Epstein’s 50th birthday tribute under scrutiny
Fresh files from a “birthday book” compiled for convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein have raised fresh controversy, with documents suggesting a glowing message was written by Peter Mandelson, now the UK’s ambassador to Washington.
‘Best pal’ message revealed
The records, handed to a Congressional committee in the United States, appear to show Lord Mandelson describing Epstein as his “best pal” and praising him for hosting gatherings in “glorious homes” he liked to share with friends.
Contents of the files
The documents, compiled in 2003 by Ghislaine Maxwell for Epstein’s 50th birthday, include a mixture of handwritten notes, drawings and photographs. Among them is a sketch of a woman’s body signed simply “Donald” and a photo of Epstein holding a large cheque bearing Donald Trump’s name.
Trump’s name in the book
The image was accompanied by a handwritten message suggesting Epstein “showed early talents with money and women” by selling something to Trump for $22,500. President Trump has repeatedly denied any improper connection to Epstein.
White House response
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the release on X, insisting: “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.”
Trump’s lawsuit over birthday note
The former president has already launched legal action against the Wall Street Journal, its reporters, and its parent company, News Corp, after the paper first revealed the existence of the birthday note in July.
Files handed to Congress
The newly-released material was provided to the House Oversight Committee in response to a demand for Epstein-related documents. They form part of the estate’s wider archive now being scrutinised in Washington.
Mandelson’s message published
Among the documents are pages showing Lord Mandelson’s photos and a message describing Epstein as a “mysterious” figure who often appeared and disappeared from his social circles. The note concluded: “Wherever he is in the world, he remains my best pal! Happy birthday Jeffrey, we love you!!”
Tropical island imagery
The section featuring Mandelson also included an image of a tropical island, echoing Epstein’s well-known private retreat in the Caribbean.
Past reports of contact
A 2019 JP Morgan internal report alleged Lord Mandelson had previously stayed at Epstein’s New York residence in 2009, while Epstein was serving a prison term for procuring a minor for prostitution.
Epstein’s 2009 sentence
At that time, Epstein had been sentenced to 18 months in jail after pleading guilty. Mandelson was serving as the UK’s business secretary under then–prime minister Gordon Brown.
Embassy response
When contacted this week, the British embassy in Washington referred reporters to Mandelson’s earlier remarks, including a Sky News interview in May, where he expressed regret over knowing Epstein.
Mandelson’s statement in May
Asked then why he associated with Epstein during his jail term, Mandelson responded: “Why did many people meet him? He was a prolific networker and I wish I’d never met him in the first place.”
Reaction from UK ministers
Health Secretary Wes Streeting was asked about Mandelson’s appearance in the files during a Sky News interview on Tuesday. He said: “I think our ambassador has made it clear that he deeply regrets ever having been introduced to Epstein.”
‘Not guilty by association’
Streeting added: “I don’t think we should regard everyone as guilty by association. The important thing is that Epstein’s victims receive justice and a platform to tell their stories.”
US political fallout
Across the Atlantic, Vice President JD Vance took to X to defend Donald Trump, accusing Democrats of focusing on smearing the president instead of prioritising justice for Epstein’s victims.
Vance criticises Democrats
“The Democrats don’t care about Epstein. They don’t even care about his victims,” Vance wrote. “They only care about inventing another scandal like Russiagate to smear President Trump with lies.”
Epstein’s network under renewed focus
The release of the “birthday book” has renewed focus on the wide network of political, financial, and diplomatic figures who maintained ties with Epstein during his lifetime.
Continuing investigations
Epstein’s estate continues to hand over material to US authorities, with lawmakers suggesting further documents could be made public in the coming months.
