House Democrats on Monday publicly posted the doodle and note that they say President Trump left in a birthday book compiled for Jeffrey Epstein in 2003.
Why it matters: Trump has steadfastly denied writing the note or drawing the doodle and has sued the Wall Street Journal and other related entities for reporting its existence.
- The book was turned over to the House Oversight Committee on Monday by the Epstein estate as part of a larger tranche of documents.
- "The Oversight Committee has secured the infamous 'Birthday Book' that contains a note from President Trump that he has said does not exist," Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), the panel's top Democrat, said in a statement.
- White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a post on X "it's very clear President Trump did not draw this picture, and he did not sign it."
Zoom out: Democrats sought out the birthday book in July following the Wall Street Journal's reporting, as Axios scooped.
- They were buoyed by statements made by Brad Edwards, a lawyer for many of Epstein's victims, who said the deceased financier's estate would likely comply with a congressional subpoena.
- Republicans on the committee formally subpoenaed the estate last month.
What they're saying: "It's time for the President to tell us the truth about what he knew and release all the Epstein files. The American people are demanding answers," Garcia said.
- He added that Democrats are now "carefully reviewing the contents of the book and additional documents to determine the full extent of the implications," and "expect to release our findings to the public."
The other side: "President Trump's legal team will continue to aggressively pursue litigation" against the Wall Street Journal, Leavitt said in her post.
- White House deputy chief of staff Taylor Budowich claimed that the signature on the letter is not Trump's.
More from Axios:
- Read: House panel releases records from Epstein estate
- MAGA claims Trump signature in Epstein birthday book is fake
- House Democrats post 2nd Epstein birthday book page referencing Trump
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional reporting
