Trump-Epstein Files Spur New Scrutiny and Gridlock

New revelations show Donald Trump wrote a note to Jeffrey Epstein in a copy of his book and was listed as a contributor to Epstein's 50th birthday album, alongside other prominent figures. Trump has denied writing a separate, more controversial birthday letter, labeling related stories as fake. Speaker Mike Johnson has affirmed the legitimacy of Epstein-related files, while Rep. Thomas Massie has suggested that some of Trump's friends may be implicated. The Justice Department informed Trump that his name appears multiple times in the files but maintains that this does not indicate wrongdoing. The controversy has sparked legislative gridlock and backlash among Trump's supporters, who demand full transparency and suspect a cover-up. Calls for the complete release of Epstein files continue to mount across the political spectrum.