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10-Foot Birthday Card Sparks Trump-Epstein Controversy

1/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Secret Handshake installed a 10-foot birthday card replica on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., timed to Epstein's birthday.
The display shows a suggestive drawing and a message purportedly from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Trump denied writing the card and sued The Wall Street Journal over its reporting.
The event highlights ongoing scrutiny of Trump's ties to Epstein amid delays in Justice Department document releases.

History

Historical Context

The Epstein scandal gained momentum in 2019 when allegations against Jeffrey Epstein surfaced, revealing ties to prominent figures, including Donald Trump. In September, the House Oversight Committee released thousands of pages of Epstein files, intensifying scrutiny of Trump's associations. This ongoing investigation highlights the challenges of political accountability and the impact of high-profile scandals on public trust and governance.

History

Historical Context

Jeffrey Epstein, arrested on July 6, 2019, faced federal charges for sex trafficking minors, following a long history of abuse dating back to a 2005 investigation. His connections to influential figures like Donald Trump and Bill Clinton fueled public outrage and conspiracy theories, especially after his controversial death in custody on August 10, 2019, which was ruled a suicide but remains widely disputed.

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Story summary

The Secret Handshake installed a 10-foot birthday card replica on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., timed to Epstein's birthday.
The display shows a suggestive drawing and a message purportedly from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Trump denied writing the card and sued The Wall Street Journal over its reporting.
The event highlights ongoing scrutiny of Trump's ties to Epstein amid delays in Justice Department document releases.

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