Trump did post the Christmas message about Jeffrey Epstein. But his claim that he was “the only one” to cut Epstein off isn’t supported by the record—and the new “Epstein files” are a mix of real documents, photos, and unverified tips, some of which the Justice Department says are false.
The story gets stranger: on the same day he warned “Enjoy what may be your last Merry Christmas,” the DOJ was busy telling the public that some headline-grabbing “Epstein” claims about Trump are “unfounded and false.” Let’s unpack what’s real, what isn’t, and what’s still murky.
Headline: Trump’s Christmas Blast Was Real. His “Only One to Drop Epstein” Claim Wasn’t.
What he said—and what’s verified
- Verified post: On Dec. 25, 2025, Trump’s Truth Social message called Epstein associates “Sleazebags,” said they “dropped him like a dog,” attacked Democrats and the New York Times, re-upped “fake” Russia-investigation claims, and ended with “Enjoy what may be your last Merry Christmas!” (archived post: trumpstruth.org/statuses/34344?utm_source=openai)
- He wrote he was “actually the only one who did drop Epstein, and long before it became fashionable.” The quote is accurate; the claim is not. Others have said they cut ties years earlier. Bill Clinton’s office, for example, says Clinton severed contact years before Epstein’s crimes became public, a point reiterated after the DOJ releases. Trump’s “only one” assertion is unsubstantiated and contradicted by public statements from others. (trumpstruth.org/statuses/34344?utm_source=openai)
- DOJ warning: The Justice Department issued an unusual public statement saying parts of the newly released “Epstein files” contain “untrue and sensationalist claims,” including allegations about Trump submitted to the FBI ahead of the 2020 election, which DOJ called “unfounded and false.” (cbsnews.com/live-updates/epstein-files-released-documents-2025/?utm_source=openai)
The most important corrections and context
- Key correction: The original article says Trump has “not been accused of committing any crimes” except for “one FBI document” alleging rape. That’s too narrow. In 2016, a separate civil lawsuit (filed under the pseudonym “Katie Johnson”) made a similar allegation and was later withdrawn. That suit is not part of the new FBI files. (time.com/7342332/trump-epstein-files-release-latest-maxwell/?utm_source=openai)
- Key caveat: Inclusion in the “Epstein files” does not mean a claim is true. The DOJ says some eye-catching items are fake or unverified—one purported Epstein letter referencing Trump and Larry Nassar was deemed fake by the FBI. (forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/2025/12/23/major-epstein-files-release-he-wrote-convicted-pedophile-nassar-about-trumps-love-of-young-nubile-girls/?utm_source=openai)
- Key nuance: Trump has long said he banned Epstein from Mar‑a‑Lago. That claim has been repeated by allies and in press reports, but independent documentation is thin and mostly anecdotal. The assertion exists; the timing and formal “ban” remain less than fully verified. (washingtonpost.com/politics/donald-trump-and-jeffrey-epstein-partied-together-then-an-oceanfront-palm-beach-mansion-came-between-them/2019/07/31/79f1d98c-aca0-11e9-a0c9-6d2d7818f3da_story.html?utm_source=openai)
So who are the “Sleazebags”? Trump didn’t name names. The newly released DOJ materials include images of many public figures—Mick Jagger, Bill Clinton, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Chris Tucker, Richard Branson, David Copperfield, and others—appearing in various social settings connected to Epstein or his circle. In some photos, Epstein is present; in others, he isn’t. Coverage has highlighted a Jagger–Clinton image where Epstein is not in frame, and separate shots where he is nearby. Photos show proximity, not guilt. (cbsnews.com/live-updates/epstein-files-released-2025/?utm_source=openai)
What the “Epstein files” actually are—and why that matters
- Congress ordered them: The bipartisan “Epstein Files Transparency Act” became law Nov. 19, 2025, requiring DOJ to release its Epstein records. DOJ missed the initial Dec. 19 deadline and is posting in batches—drawing criticism from both parties. (whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/2025/11/congressional-bill-h-r-4405-signed-into-law/?utm_source=openai)
- Mixed material: The releases blend court exhibits, emails, tips, images, and correspondence. Some are rock-solid; some are raw allegations. DOJ has publicly flagged certain items as false. Inclusion ≠ verification. (cbsnews.com/live-updates/epstein-files-released-documents-2025/?utm_source=openai; forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/2025/12/23/major-epstein-files-release-he-wrote-convicted-pedophile-nassar-about-trumps-love-of-young-nubile-girls/?utm_source=openai)
What’s provable about Trump’s ties to Epstein
- Social ties: Trump spoke approvingly of Epstein’s social scene in 2002; they appeared in the same circles years earlier. (background widely reported)
- Flight records and mentions: Newly surfaced materials include a prosecutor’s email saying Trump flew on Epstein’s jet “at least eight times” in the 1990s. DOJ also subpoenaed Mar‑a‑Lago in the Maxwell case. DOJ stresses some items are unverified tips. (reuters.com/world/us/us-justice-department-releases-new-tranche-epstein-files-2025-12-23/?utm_source=openai)
- The “ban” claim: Trump says he barred Epstein from Mar‑a‑Lago years before Epstein’s crimes were public. Allies have echoed this; formal documentation is sparse. (washingtonpost.com/politics/donald-trump-and-jeffrey-epstein-partied-together-then-an-oceanfront-palm-beach-mansion-came-between-them/2019/07/31/79f1d98c-aca0-11e9-a0c9-6d2d7818f3da_story.html?utm_source=openai)
How the Christmas message fits the politics Trump’s post didn’t just target “Sleazebags.” He also blasted Democrats, the New York Times, and the “fake” Russia probe—then warned, “Enjoy what may be your last Merry Christmas!” That dramatic ending landed the same week DOJ told the public not to take every “Epstein file” at face value. The split-screen—fiery rhetoric versus a sober DOJ disclaimer—helped fuel the holiday frenzy. (trumpstruth.org/statuses/34344?utm_source=openai; cbsnews.com/live-updates/epstein-files-released-documents-2025/?utm_source=openai)
What’s true, what’s unclear, what’s wrong
- True
- Trump’s Christmas Day post and its exact language. (trumpstruth.org/statuses/34344?utm_source=openai)
- DOJ’s warning that some “Epstein files” claims about Trump are false. (cbsnews.com/live-updates/epstein-files-released-documents-2025/?utm_source=openai)
- The files include photos of prominent figures in Epstein’s orbit. (cbsnews.com/live-updates/epstein-files-released-2025/?utm_source=openai)
- Unclear or disputed
- Trump’s claim he “banned” Epstein from Mar‑a‑Lago: asserted, not fully documented. (washingtonpost.com/…/?utm_source=openai)
- Trump as the “only one” to cut Epstein off: contradicted by others’ public statements. (trumpstruth.org/statuses/34344?utm_source=openai)
- Wrong or misleading
- Saying there’s only “one FBI document” accusing Trump of crime ignores the separate 2016 civil lawsuit that was later withdrawn. (time.com/7342332/trump-epstein-files-release-latest-maxwell/?utm_source=openai)
- Assuming a person’s photo in the files equals wrongdoing. The DOJ itself says some materials are unverified or fake. (forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/2025/12/23/major-epstein-files-release-he-wrote-convicted-pedophile-nassar-about-trumps-love-of-young-nubile-girls/?utm_source=openai)
How we vetted this
- We checked an archived copy of Trump’s Truth Social post. (trumpstruth.org/statuses/34344?utm_source=openai)
- We reviewed DOJ-related reporting and the DOJ’s public warning carried by major outlets. (cbsnews.com/live-updates/epstein-files-released-documents-2025/?utm_source=openai)
- We cross-referenced coverage of the release, including images and document types, and prior reporting on Trump–Epstein ties, the alleged flight count, and the Mar‑a‑Lago “ban.” (reuters.com/…/?utm_source=openai; washingtonpost.com/…/?utm_source=openai)
- We added missing context on the 2016 civil lawsuit. (time.com/7342332/trump-epstein-files-release-latest-maxwell/?utm_source=openai)
- We noted the new law compelling the releases and DOJ’s missed deadline. (whitehouse.gov/…/?utm_source=openai)
Bottom line
- Trump’s Christmas message was real, startling, and politically pointed.
- His “only one to drop Epstein” line is a stretch—others say they cut ties years earlier.
- The “Epstein files” are not a verdict; they’re a trove that mixes verified records with unverified and, in some cases, false material, per the DOJ itself.
- Photos show proximity, not proof.
What we still don’t know
- The full, verifiable timeline of who cut Epstein off and when.
- Documentary evidence (if any) of a formal Mar‑a‑Lago ban and its date.
- What remains in upcoming DOJ batches under the Transparency Act—and how much of it is reliable.
If you want, I can pull specific DOJ document IDs and the exact images for each named celebrity from the public library pages.