The Washington PostDemocracy Dies in Darkness

Trump called Epstein a ‘terrific guy’ who enjoyed ‘younger’ women before denying relationship with him

July 8, 2019 at 8:42 p.m. EDT
President Trump said July 9 that he "was not a fan" of billionaire Jeffrey Epstein and that he hasn't spoken to him for "maybe 15 years." (Video: The Washington Post)

Back in 2002, when Jeffrey Epstein was known only as a mysterious financial whiz with a private island and a roster of A-list friends, being friendly with him was something to boast about. And Donald Trump did.

“I’ve known Jeff for fifteen years. Terrific guy,” Trump told New York Magazine that year for a story headlined “Jeffrey Epstein: International Moneyman of Mystery.” “He’s a lot of fun to be with. It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side. No doubt about it — Jeffrey enjoys his social life.”