‘White House cover up’ trends as Karoline Leavitt's response to viral Trump-Epstein ‘birthday note’ sparks uproar

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich denies Trump's alleged signature on a birthday message to Jeffrey Epstein, calling it defamation.

Published on: Sep 9, 2025, 17:16:37 IST

By Shweta Kukreti

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Karoline Leavitt, the Press Secretary for the White House, has replied to recent reports by The Wall Street Journal that evaluate the text and drawing that the publication claims were composed by President Donald Trump in a 2003 birthday book that was presented to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Trump has insisted that he never delivered the letter to Epstein and even sued the publication for $10 billion (€8.5 billion).

Reacting to the alleged Trump birthday card, Leavitt in a post on X said, “The latest piece published by the Wall Street Journal PROVES this entire 'Birthday Card' story is false. As I have said all along, 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. This is FAKE NEWS to perpetuate the Democrat Epstein Hoax!” she added.

Blasting the reporter, she said, “Furthermore, the 'reporter' @joe_palazzolo who wrote this hatchet job reached out for comment at the EXACT same minute he published his story giving us no time to respond.”

Trump has insisted that he never delivered the letter to Epstein and even sued the publication for $10 billion (€8.5 billion).

Also Read: Melania Trump's reaction to Mark Zuckerberg's ‘rudeness’ at during White House dinner sparks buzz; ‘She’s hyper aware’

All about Epstein files

The new report was released the same day the House Oversight Committee, which is now investigating how the Department of Justice (DOJ) handled the case against Epstein, got documents from the sex offender.

The Epstein estate documents are a part of a larger legislative effort to examine documents related to federal investigations into Epstein and release information that the DOJ had earlier kept.

Epstein died by suicide in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

Following the committee's acquisition of information from Epstein's estate, the contentious birthday message—first published by The Wall Street Journal and then shared by House Democrats—has heightened a months-long argument about how the Justice Department has handled Epstein-related documents.

House Oversight Committee blasts Trump

Taking to X, Democrats on the House Oversight Committee said on Monday, “🚨🚨HERE IT IS: We got Trump's birthday note to Jeffrey Epstein that the President said doesn't exist.” Calling for the release of files, the committee continued, “Trump talks about a 'wonderful secret' the two of them shared. What is he hiding? Release the files!”

Meanwhile, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich wrote on Monday on X that “it's not his signature,” reiterating the White House's denial that this is Trump's signature. “DEFAMATION!” she wrote.

White House cover up trends on X

Meanwhile, Texas Democrat Representative Jasmine Crockett, a member of the House Oversight Committee, called Trump a “liar” as White House cover up started trending on X.

“No surprise the note *does* exist. More proof this White House cover-up is to protect Trump, the powerful, and the wealthy,” wrote Rep. Summer Lee.

“We got the Epstein note Trump says doesn’t exist. Time to end this White House cover-up,” Congressman Robert Garcia.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shweta Kukreti
Shweta Kukreti has over 8 years of experience in covering Indian and world politics. She joined the Hindustan Times in 2024 and is primarily assigned to the US desk. She currently works as Deputy Chief Content Producer and reports on a wide range of topics, including US politics, immigration issues (especially H-1B visa) and major global events. Shweta strongly emphasizes team operations, which encompasses monitoring news, delegating tasks, editing, developing comprehensive coverage strategies, and crafting engaging, and data-informed narratives. She received the Digi Star Award at the Hindustan Times within a year of joining for her broad coverage of US politics. In 2025, she earned both a promotion and a redesignation, a significant achievement recognising her contributions and the strong value she brings to the team. She has previously worked with the Indian Express, HTDS, ANI and Republic World. Seniors in all the media organisations recognised her work. Regarding education, she earned a BA (Hons.) in Political Science and a master's degree from Delhi University, and she pursued a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institution of Mass Communication (IIMC). She also holds a diploma in Women's Empowerment and Development from IGNOU University and a French certification course from Alliance Française de Delhi. If not working, you can find her exploring the hills and engaging in adventurous activities in Rishikesh and Himachal Pradesh. She loves to play badminton, volleyball, and chess, and spend time with her friends and family. She also enjoys spiritual activities.Read More

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