Fact Check: Donald Trump was a close friend of Jeffrey Epstein for over a decade.

Fact Check: "Donald Trump was a close friend of Jeffrey Epstein for over a decade."

What We Know

Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein were indeed part of the same social circles for many years, particularly from the late 1980s until around 2004. They were neighbors in Palm Beach, Florida, and often socialized at various events, including parties at Trump's Mar-a-Lago Club and Epstein's Manhattan mansion. According to a Washington Post article, they were seen together frequently and had a relationship characterized by mutual interests in wealth, power, and social status.

In 2002, Trump described Epstein as a "terrific guy" and noted that he was "a lot of fun to be with" (source-2). However, their relationship reportedly soured around 2004, coinciding with a real estate rivalry over a Palm Beach property. Trump has stated that he banned Epstein from Mar-a-Lago, although he has not elaborated on the reasons for their falling out (source-2).

Epstein himself claimed in recorded tapes that Trump enjoyed "f---ing" his friends' wives, suggesting a more personal connection than mere acquaintanceship (source-1). However, Trump's representatives have since downplayed their relationship, with a Trump Organization attorney stating that they were "not friends" and did not have a significant relationship (source-2).

Analysis

The claim that Trump and Epstein were "close friends" for over a decade is nuanced. While they did socialize frequently and were part of the same elite circles, the depth of their friendship is questionable. Trump's later comments suggest a desire to distance himself from Epstein, especially following Epstein's legal troubles. The assertion that they were "close friends" may be overstated, as their relationship appears to have been more transactional and opportunistic rather than deeply personal.

The sources used to evaluate this claim vary in reliability. The Washington Post is a reputable news organization with a history of investigative journalism, making its reporting on the relationship credible (source-2). In contrast, the tapes referenced from Michael Wolff, while revealing, come from a source that has been criticized for sensationalism and may not provide a complete picture (source-1).

Additionally, the timeline of their relationship, as outlined by various outlets, indicates that while they were indeed social acquaintances, the nature of their friendship may not have been as close as the claim suggests (source-3, source-4, source-5).

Conclusion

The claim that "Donald Trump was a close friend of Jeffrey Epstein for over a decade" is Partially True. While they did share a significant social relationship characterized by mutual interests, the depth and nature of their friendship are more complex and arguably less intimate than the claim implies. Trump's later efforts to distance himself from Epstein, particularly after Epstein's legal issues, further complicate the narrative of a longstanding friendship.

Fact Check: Donald Trump was a close friend of Jeffrey Epstein for over a decade.