Fact Check: Donald Trump was close friends with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

Fact Check: "Donald Trump was close friends with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell."

What We Know

Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein had a social relationship that spanned several years, particularly in the 1990s and early 2000s. They were known to socialize at various events, including parties at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. Reports indicate that Trump and Epstein were seen together frequently, and Trump acknowledged knowing both Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, stating, "I've met her numerous times over the years" (source-1).

Ghislaine Maxwell, who was closely associated with Epstein and is currently serving a prison sentence for her role in his crimes, has been described as knowing intimate details about Trump's relationship with Epstein. Sources suggest that Trump is concerned about Maxwell potentially revealing information about their past (source-1).

Furthermore, Stacey Williams, a former model who dated Epstein, claimed that during her time with him, it was clear that he and Trump were "really, really good friends" and spent a lot of time together (source-2).

Analysis

The claim that Donald Trump was close friends with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell is partially true. Evidence supports the assertion that Trump had a social relationship with both individuals, particularly with Epstein. They were seen together at various high-profile events, and Trump's acknowledgment of knowing Maxwell lends credence to the idea that their relationships were more than mere acquaintances.

However, the term "close friends" can be subjective and may imply a deeper personal connection than what is documented. Trump's public statements suggest he distanced himself from Epstein after the financier's legal troubles began. He has claimed to have severed ties with Epstein years before Epstein's 2019 arrest, which complicates the narrative of a lasting friendship (source-1).

The reliability of sources discussing Trump's relationship with Epstein and Maxwell varies. While some sources, like Newsweek, provide detailed accounts from individuals with firsthand knowledge, others may rely on anonymous sources or speculative claims, which can introduce bias (source-2, source-4).

Conclusion

The verdict is Partially True. While there is substantial evidence that Donald Trump had a social relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, the extent of their friendship remains ambiguous. Trump's later claims of distancing himself from Epstein further complicate the narrative, suggesting that while they were once close, the relationship may not have persisted in the way that the claim implies.

Fact Check: Donald Trump was close friends with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.