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Trump says he 'never had the privilege' of visiting Jeffrey Epstein's island | N18G

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday (July 28) he "never had the privilege" of visiting Jeffrey Epstein's island, saying he turned down an invitation from the convicted sex offender in what the president called a moment of good judgment. Trump's remarks were his latest effort to distance himself from the political furor over his administration's handling of files related to Epstein's case and renewed questions over his past relationship with the disgraced financier, who died by suicide in a New York jail in 2019. Epstein owned a private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands where he entertained prominent people from politics, business and entertainment. Prosecutors have alleged he used the compound to conceal the sex trafficking and abuse of under-age victims. Trump, who socialized with Epstein in the 1990s and early 2000s, also offered new insight into why their relationship ended. The president said he cut ties after Epstein attempted to recruit staff who worked for Trump. Last week, White House communications director Steven Cheung said Trump had cut ties with Epstein because he regarded him as a "creep."

first published: Jul 29, 2025 09:20 am