Alleged notes from Trump and Mandelson among messages in Epstein 'birthday book'

Files from a "birthday book" compiled for the sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein appear to include a glowing contribution from the current UK ambassador to Washington, Peter Mandelson.

Documents appear to show Lord Mandelson calling Epstein his "best pal" and writing of the friend "taking you by surprise… in one of his glorious homes he likes to share with his friends (yum yum)".

The pages are contained in files from the estate of the deceased billionaire paedophile, handed over to a Congressional committee.

The collection of birthday tributes include a hand-drawing of a woman's body, signed "Donald". They also contain a picture of Epstein holding an outsized cheque, signed by "DJTRUMP".

Beneath the image is a handwritten message that reads: "Jeffrey showing early talents with money + women! Sells 'fully depreciated (redacted) to Donald Trump for $22,500."

The US president has denied any impropriety involving Epstein, whom he once counted as a friend.

Addressing the release of the image in a post on X, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said: "As I have said all along, it's very clear President Trump did not draw this picture, and he did not sign it.

"President Trump's legal team will continue to aggressively pursue litigation."

Mr Trump has already filed one lawsuit over the birthday note. He began proceedings against the Wall Street Journal, two of its reporters and its owner, Rupert Murdoch, after the publication first reported on the message's existence in July.

The newly-released files were handed over following a demand by the Oversight Committee of the US Congress.

They are from a book compiled by Epstein's co-conspirator, Ghislaine Maxwell, to celebrate Epstein's 50th birthday in 2003.

Mandelson's message to 'best pal'

A number of pages include pictures of Lord Mandelson, a former Labour minister, and a message that reads:

"Once upon a time, an intelligent, sharp-witted man they call "mysterious" parachuted into my life.

"You would spend many hours just waiting for him to turn up.

"And often, no sooner were you getting used to having him around, you would suddenly be alone…. again.

"Leaving you with some "interesting" friends to entertain instead….

"Or just some dogs to keep you company (he wasn't always so keen on them)

"But then he would parachute back in…

"Very occasionally, taking you by surprise in some far off places

"Or in one of his glorious homes he likes to share with his friends (yum yum)

"But, wherever he is in the world, he remains my best pal!

"Happy birthday, Jeffrey we love you!!"

Pictures of Lord Mandelson appear on the pages, which include an image of a tropical island.

All you need to know about the Trump-Epstein saga

Previously, a 2019 report by JP Morgan bank suggested Lord Mandelson had stayed at Epstein's New York flat in 2009, while the disgraced financier was in jail.

Epstein was serving an 18-month sentence after pleading guilty to procuring a person under the age of 18 for prostitution.

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At the time, Lord Mandelson was the business secretary in the UK government, under then prime minister Gordon Brown.

Sky News contacted the British embassy in Washington for comment, and was referred to earlier statements from Mandelson, including an interview with Sky News in May this year.

Asked then about the New York story, he said: "I'm not answering any questions about him. My knowledge of him is something I regret, I wish I'd never met him in the first place."

Asked why he had an association with Epstein while he was in jail, Lord Mandelson replied: "Why did many people meet him? He was a prolific networker and I wish I'd never met him in the first place."

Health Secretary Wes Streeting addressed the US ambassador's appearance in the newly-released files during a Sky News interview on Tuesday morning.

When asked if it is a problem that Lord Mandelson has continued to be linked to Epstein, Mr Streeting replied: "I think our ambassador has made it clear that he deeply regrets ever having been introduced to Epstein."

"I don't think we should regard everyone as guilty by association," he added. "I think the important thing is that Epstein's victims receive the justice now and the platform now to tell their stories."

US vice president JD Vance defended Mr Trump on X and called out Democrats for "not caring about Epstein's victims".

He wrote: "The Democrats don't care about Epstein. They don't even care about his victims.

"That's why they were silent about it for years. The only thing they care about is concocting another fake scandal like Russiagate to smear President Trump with lies.

"No one is falling for this BS."

(c) Sky News 2025: Alleged notes from Trump and Mandelson among messages in Epstein 'birthday book'