In a twist that feels straight out of a political thriller, new revelations about Donald Trump’s ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein are sending shockwaves through the media and the public alike. As Trump embarks on a golfing retreat in Scotland, the resurfacing of his name in Epstein’s infamous birthday book raises disturbing questions about their relationship.

The New York Times recently uncovered Trump's name on a contributor list for a specially bound book celebrating Epstein’s 50th birthday back in 2003. This revelation adds weight to prior claims about Trump’s involvement in the leather-bound collection filled with messages, drawings, and accolades, despite his vehement denials—most notably regarding a purportedly lewd note and illustration reported earlier by the Wall Street Journal.

According to the Times, Trump’s name appeared among a list of Epstein’s friends and acquaintances who contributed birthday messages for this extravagant volume, which was said to include multiple editions. The book opens with a handwritten note from Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's longtime associate, currently serving a 20-year sentence for her role in child sex trafficking. This complicates an already murky narrative surrounding the former president during his visit to a golf course in Turnberry, Scotland, for trade talks with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

The burgeoning controversy has intensified public outrage over the apparent backtracking by Trump’s attorney general, Pam Bondi, and FBI director, Kash Patel, regarding promises to release Epstein's investigative files. As anger grows among his usual supporters and across the political aisle, Trump has fired back, labeling news reports regarding the birthday book as “fake news.”

In an unusual move, Trump has even filed a lawsuit against Rupert Murdoch, the billionaire owner of the Journal, for libel and slander over claims that he sent Epstein a signed, sexually suggestive note and a sketch of a naked woman as part of the birthday book. Allegedly, the drawing includes a squiggly ‘Donald’ signature positioned suspiciously beneath a crude representation of a woman’s anatomy.

Trump’s lawsuit, which is seeking a staggering $10 billion in damages, has escalated tensions, leading him to bar Journal reporters from accompanying him on his trip to Scotland. In a bizarre twist, he has called for the release of grand jury testimony related to Epstein’s prosecution, asserting he has nothing to hide, despite a Florida judge recently denying his request to unseal transcripts.

Even as Congress takes a summer recess, with House Speaker Mike Johnson attempting to quell Democrat demands for a vote on the Epstein files, Trump’s efforts to distance himself from Epstein continue to hit roadblocks. A steady stream of evidence, including photos and witness testimonies, keeps the spotlight firmly on their relationship.

Just this week, CNN revealed newly uncovered footage of Epstein at Trump’s wedding to Marla Maples back in 1993, as well as images from a Victoria’s Secret event that same year, where the two appeared to be enjoying themselves alongside Trump’s future wife, Melania.

It gets even juicier; the Times reported that Trump had penned a gushing note to Epstein in 1997, declaring him “the greatest” in a personalized copy of his own book, The Art of the Comeback.

Further details about the birthday book have emerged through Epstein’s brother, Mark Epstein, who recalls Maxwell assembling the collection. Notably, Trump and Bill Clinton are both categorized under “Friends”—ironically, Clinton has distanced himself from Epstein, claiming to have severed ties well before Epstein’s 2019 arrest. However, Peter Mandelson, the UK ambassador to the U.S. and also listed as a friend, expressed regrets over his association with Epstein.

As Trump continues his golf trip in Scotland, Deputy U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche is scheduled to meet with convicted sex trafficker Maxwell for further questioning at the Florida prison where she is jailed. With each passing day, the layers of this story peel back further, revealing connections that many would prefer to stay buried.