Exclusive: Unseen Photos and Video Reignite Scrutiny of Trump’s Epstein Ties
Newly uncovered photographs and archived video footage are shedding fresh light on Donald Trump’s relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The materials, dating back to the 1990s, include images of Epstein attending Trump’s 1993 wedding and video of the two socializing at a Victoria’s Secret fashion event.
The revelations come amid renewed demands for transparency from the U.S. Justice Department, which has faced criticism for failing to release long-promised documents related to Epstein’s alleged co-conspirators. The discovery of this new media raises additional questions about the former president’s past associations with the disgraced financier.
A Familiar Face at Trump’s Wedding
Among the most striking revelations are photos from Trump’s wedding to Marla Maples at the Plaza Hotel in New York in December 1993. One of the images shows Epstein entering the venue — a detail that had not been widely reported until now.
Renowned society photographer Dafydd Jones, who captured the photos, told CNN he recognized Epstein at the time but focused only on “interesting” attendees. “I wish now I took more of him with Trump,” he reflected. Another photo, part of the LIFE magazine archive, shows Epstein in the background as Howard Stern and Robin Leach pose for a group shot. Several images show Trump standing close to Epstein during the event.
These images confirm that Epstein was not only acquainted with Trump but was present during major moments in his personal life — something the former president has downplayed over the years.
Caught on Camera at Victoria’s Secret
Further examination of archival material revealed video from a 1999 Victoria’s Secret fashion show in New York. In the footage, Trump and Epstein are seen laughing and chatting just before the event begins. The video was unearthed by CNN’s KFile team during a review of footage from Trump’s public appearances in the 1990s and early 2000s.
While the video predates Epstein’s legal troubles — which began with sexual abuse allegations in 2005 — it underscores their once-frequent social interactions. Getty Images also shows the pair attending a 1997 Victoria’s Secret “Angels” event together. Epstein’s ties to the company are well-documented through his financial relationship with billionaire Leslie Wexner, founder of the brand’s parent company.
Trump’s Response: Dismissive and Defiant
When contacted by CNN regarding the newly surfaced wedding photos, Trump responded briefly before hanging up: “You’ve got to be kidding me,” he said, calling the outlet “fake news.”
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung dismissed the materials as “out-of-context frame grabs of innocuous videos and pictures.” He added, “The fact is that the President kicked him out of his club for being a creep,” referring to a claim Trump has often repeated in recent years.
A History of Association
Trump’s association with Epstein goes back to the 1980s. They frequently appeared at the same social gatherings in New York and Palm Beach. In a 2002 profile in New York Magazine, Trump praised Epstein, calling him “a terrific guy” who enjoyed “beautiful women … on the younger side.”
Flight logs from Epstein’s private jet show Trump flew with him at least seven times between Palm Beach and New York. In his 2004 book, Trump: How to Get Rich, Trump referred to “the mysterious Jeffrey,” though it remains unclear whether he meant Epstein.
Photos from the early 2000s also depict Trump with Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell — now serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking — and Prince Andrew at a Mar-a-Lago charity event.
A Note, a Lawsuit, and Ongoing Investigations
Last week, The Wall Street Journal reported on a 2003 birthday note sent to Epstein allegedly bearing Trump’s name. The message featured a sketch of a naked woman and ended with the line, “Happy Birthday—and may every day be another wonderful secret.” Trump has denied sending the note and filed a libel lawsuit against the publication in Florida federal court.
Meanwhile, political and legal pressure is mounting over the Department of Justice’s handling of Epstein-related materials. A federal judge overseeing Maxwell’s case has given prosecutors a deadline to submit grand jury transcripts and other documents for review.
On Tuesday, DOJ officials confirmed they reached out to Maxwell for a meeting. Her attorney, David Oscar Markus, told CNN that discussions are ongoing. “Ghislaine will always testify truthfully,” Markus said. “We are grateful to President Trump for his commitment to uncovering the truth in this case.”
Public Reaction and Political Ramifications
While Trump has never been formally accused of any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein, these latest revelations could reignite controversy heading into the 2024 election season. Public interest in Epstein’s network remains high, particularly within Trump’s own base, where many had hoped Epstein-related files would expose political enemies.
Instead, the new evidence has added heat to an already combustible subject — and reminded the public that some of Epstein’s most prominent associates still have questions to answer.
