President Donald Trump stated on Tuesday that the controversy surrounding his alleged relationship with Jeffrey Epstein is a "dead issue." This remark came during a phone interview with NBC News, where Trump emphasized that he had already provided all necessary comments to his staff regarding the matter.

The controversy reignited after the House Oversight Committee Democrats released an image of a letter Trump purportedly sent to Epstein for his 50th birthday in 2003. The letter features a sketch of a woman's body and includes a fictional dialogue between Trump and Epstein, concluding with a message that reads, "A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthday—and may every day be another wonderful secret."

In his conversation with NBC, Trump did not elaborate further on the letter. He reiterated, "I don’t comment on something that’s a dead issue. I gave all comments to the staff. It’s a dead issue."

The Wall Street Journal previously reported in July that Trump had written the controversial letter. However, Trump has denied authorship and is currently pursuing legal action against the publication.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt responded to the letter's release, asserting that it is clear Trump did not create the drawing or sign the letter. "As I have said all along, it’s very clear President Trump did not draw this picture, and he did not sign it," Leavitt stated. She also criticized the timing of the report, claiming that the reporter reached out for comment at the same moment the story was published, leaving no time for a response. Leavitt labeled the report as "FAKE NEWS to perpetuate the Democrat Epstein Hoax!"

Some of Trump's allies have also pointed out discrepancies between the signature on the letter and Trump's known signatures, further fueling the debate over its authenticity.