Fact Check: Donald Trump is friends with Jeffrey Epstein

Published June 11, 2025

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VERDICT

Partially True

# Fact Check: "Donald Trump is friends with Jeffrey Epstein" ## What We Know Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein had a social relationship that spanned ...

Fact Check: "Donald Trump is friends with Jeffrey Epstein"

What We Know

Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein had a social relationship that spanned several years, particularly in the late 1980s and 1990s. They were known to have socialized at various events, including parties at Trump's Mar-a-Lago and Epstein's Manhattan mansion. According to a Washington Post article, they were neighbors in Florida and even traveled together. Their relationship reportedly soured around 2004, coinciding with a real estate rivalry over a Palm Beach property, which led to a falling out. Trump has stated that he was not a fan of Epstein and claimed to have banned him from Mar-a-Lago, although he has not provided specific details about why their friendship ended.

Epstein himself referred to Trump as a "terrific guy" in a 2002 interview, indicating a level of camaraderie at that time (Washington Post). However, following Epstein's legal troubles, Trump distanced himself from Epstein, stating that they were not friends and that he had little to do with him (Telegraph).

Analysis

The claim that Trump is friends with Epstein is partially true. They did share a friendship characterized by social interactions and mutual acquaintances, especially in elite circles. However, the nature of their relationship appears to have changed significantly over time.

While they were indeed seen together at various events and had a social connection, Trump's later denials of friendship suggest a strategic distancing in light of Epstein's criminal activities. The Washington Post and The Guardian both highlight that Trump has publicly downplayed their relationship, which raises questions about the authenticity of their friendship as it was once perceived.

The reliability of sources discussing their relationship varies. The Washington Post and The Guardian are established news organizations with a history of investigative journalism, lending credibility to their accounts. In contrast, sources like YouTube videos and less formal articles may not provide the same level of reliability or depth of analysis.

Conclusion

The verdict on the claim that "Donald Trump is friends with Jeffrey Epstein" is Partially True. While they were indeed friends at one point, the nature of their relationship has been complicated by subsequent events, particularly Epstein's criminal charges. Trump's later statements suggest he seeks to distance himself from Epstein, indicating that their friendship may not have been as strong or as enduring as initially portrayed.

Sources

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