Ghislaine Maxwell recently spoke with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche about her role in coordinating contributions for Jeffrey Epstein's 50th birthday book. During the interview, she was asked if former President Donald Trump, then a private citizen, had submitted a letter or card for the book. Maxwell replied, "I don't" and noted that she could not recall specific names of contributors due to the time that has passed since the event.

Epstein's birthday celebration took place in January 2003, three years before his first arrest in Florida. Maxwell expressed her difficulty in remembering details, stating, "It's been so long. I want to tell you, but I don't remember."

Trump has filed a $10 billion lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal and its owner, Rupert Murdoch, over a story that included a letter from him purportedly part of the birthday book. Trump described the article as a "fake thing" and denied the claims made in it. The Wall Street Journal has stood by its reporting, asserting confidence in its accuracy and stating it will defend against the lawsuit.

The birthday book reportedly contained letters from various notable figures, including former President Bill Clinton and attorney Alan Dershowitz, who once represented Epstein. Maxwell explained that the idea for the book originated from a similar project she had helped create for her father's 60th birthday. She mentioned that she asked some individuals to contribute, while Epstein also reached out to others directly.

"I did ask some people. I don't remember Mr. Trump. I don't remember who I did ask, but Epstein also asked some people himself directly," Maxwell said. She added, "So it could have happened that way, if it happened at all."

Maxwell was convicted in 2021 on charges related to sex trafficking and is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence. Federal prosecutors allege that she played a significant role in recruiting and grooming underage girls for Epstein. She has petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to review her conviction, but the court has not yet decided whether to hear her case. The Department of Justice has opposed her petition.

During her interview, Maxwell maintained that she was not involved in the sexual exploitation of minors. She mentioned that some pages from the birthday book had been provided to her by federal prosecutors during the discovery process before her trial. "I remember ... there were some portions of that book," she said, expressing surprise at how few pages were shared with her.

Maxwell recalled that the last time she saw the book, it was on a shelf in Epstein's Manhattan townhouse. She speculated that it may have been taken by federal investigators during searches of Epstein's properties after his 2019 arrest. Reports indicate that the birthday book is not currently in the possession of federal prosecutors in New York or Washington, D.C.

Brad Edwards, an attorney representing numerous alleged Epstein victims, stated that some of his clients were involved in creating the birthday book and could confirm its authenticity. He suggested that the book is likely held by Epstein's estate and urged lawmakers to issue a subpoena to obtain it.

Rep. Ro Khanna, a California Democrat and member of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, announced plans to issue a subpoena to Epstein's estate after it declined his initial request for the book. The estate's lawyers indicated they would comply with lawful processes.