In a major breakthrough for transparency in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, Democrats on the House Oversight Committee announced on September 8, 2025, that they have received the infamous “birthday book”—a lavish 238-page scrapbook compiled by Ghislaine Maxwell for Epstein’s 50th birthday in 2003. The book, obtained from Epstein’s estate via subpoena, is filled with personal messages, photos, and notes from his elite inner circle, offering a chilling glimpse into the network of powerful figures who celebrated the financier years before his crimes fully emerged.
Ranking Member Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) hailed the arrival as a victory for accountability: “The Oversight Committee has secured the infamous ‘Birthday Book’ that contains contributions from Epstein’s closest associates. After weeks of pressure from Committee Democrats, we finally have this critical document.” Garcia emphasized its relevance amid ongoing demands for full Epstein files release under the new transparency law.
The book, titled “The First Fifty Years,” features lewd drawings, sexual innuendos, and tributes from billionaires, politicians, scientists, and celebrities. Highlights include messages from former President Bill Clinton, Harvard professor Alan Dershowitz, retail mogul Leslie Wexner, and tech figures like Nathan Myhrvold. Crude cartoons juxtapose Epstein’s early years with later indulgences, such as one showing him surrounded by young women, captioned “What a great country!” Many entries joke about Epstein’s pursuits of women and power, underscoring how his behavior was openly celebrated among friends.
Most controversially, the book contains a sexually suggestive page with a hand-drawn outline of a naked woman’s torso, signed “Donald,” featuring a typed dialogue hinting at shared “secrets” and wishing “every day be another wonderful secret.” President Trump has denied authoring it, calling reports “fake” and suing media outlets. White House officials welcomed handwriting analysis, insisting it’s not authentic.
Republican Chair James Comer accused Democrats of “cherry-picking” to politicize the release, while pledging to pursue Epstein’s bank records. The full redacted book, along with Epstein’s will and contact lists, was posted online.
Victims’ advocates praised the disclosure as progress but demanded unredacted versions and more files. As scrutiny intensifies over elite protections in Epstein’s orbit, this birthday book—once a private tribute—now symbolizes the entrenched connections that shielded his crimes for decades. For survivors, it’s a reminder that true justice requires exposing the full circle.
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