Could an old birthday book hold the key to a scandal that just won’t die? Donald Trump’s links to the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have resurfaced yet again, bringing a storm of controversy just as the president embarks on a golfing trip in Scotland.

Recent reporting from the New York Times reveals that Trump’s name appeared on a contributor list for a lavish book celebrating Epstein’s 50th birthday back in 2003. This revelation adds fuel to the fire of previous claims that Trump was involved in a leather-bound collection featuring messages, drawings, and accolades. It’s important to note that Trump has denied sending a signed, sexually suggestive note and drawing, as reported earlier by the Wall Street Journal.

The birthday book, which the Times indicates includes contributions from many of Epstein’s friends and acquaintances, opens with a handwritten letter from Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's longtime associate currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for her role in his heinous crimes. Maxwell's upcoming meeting with US Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche in Florida only heightens the drama surrounding this saga.

Documents reviewed by the Times outline that the collection features around 60 contributions from both famous figures and lesser-known acquaintances. Compiled before Epstein's first arrest in 2006, the book’s existence is igniting deepening anger over the apparent backtrack by Trump’s Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel regarding the release of Epstein's investigative files.

Trump, known for his fiery rhetoric, has reacted to this growing backlash with increasing fury, dismissing claims about the birthday book as ‘fake news.’ Just last week, he took legal action against the Journal’s billionaire owner Rupert Murdoch, publisher Dow Jones, and two journalists, suing for libel and slander over allegations that he sent Epstein a lewd letter and an inappropriate sketch as part of the birthday book.

The details of the alleged drawing are particularly eyebrow-raising. According to the Journal, this sketch features a pair of arcs to denote a woman’s breasts with Trump’s signature placed below, mimicking pubic hair. The supposed conclusion of the letter reads, “Happy Birthday – and may every day be another wonderful secret.” Sounds like a plot twist from a bad movie, right?

As if the situation couldn’t get any more convoluted, Trump has barred Journal reporters from accompanying him on his Scotland trip, where he’s scheduled to meet UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for trade discussions at his golf resort in Turnberry. He insists that he has nothing to hide and has called for the public release of relevant grand jury testimony related to Epstein, although a Florida district judge recently denied the Department of Justice's request to unseal these transcripts.

Meanwhile, Congress was sent home early for summer recess by Speaker Mike Johnson, a close Trump ally, all in an effort to suppress Democratic demands for a vote on Epstein’s investigative files.

Despite Trump’s efforts to distance himself from Epstein, new evidence continues to emerge, keeping the spotlight firmly on their relationship. Just this week, CNN uncovered photos and videos showing Epstein at Trump’s 1993 wedding to Marla Maples, as well as at a Victoria’s Secret event that year, where the two appeared to be joking around with Trump’s future wife, Melania.

Adding to the intrigue, the Times reported that Trump had previously penned another enthusiastic note to Epstein in 1997, declaring, “To Jeff – You are the greatest!” This note was inscribed in a copy of Trump’s book, Trump: The Art of the Comeback, which belonged to Epstein.

In a twist of further curiosity, Epstein’s brother, Mark, recalled that the birthday book was meticulously organized into categories, with Trump and Bill Clinton both listed under “Friends.” Clinton’s message, written in his recognizable handwriting, stated, “It’s reassuring isn’t it, to have lasted as long, across all the years of learning and knowing, adventures and [illegible word], and also to have your childlike curiosity, the drive to make a difference and the solace of friend.”

Clinton has previously claimed to have severed ties with Epstein well over a decade before Epstein's 2019 arrest and professes ignorance about Epstein’s alleged crimes. Meanwhile, Peter Mandelson, the current UK ambassador to the US and also listed as a friend, expressed regret over his association with Epstein.

Democratic Representative Ro Khanna from California has pledged to subpoena Epstein’s estate to obtain the book, even as Trump heads to Scotland for his trip amidst swirling accusations.